europopped

For decades, Romanian pop artists looked to England and the U.S. for musical inspiration. Now, the tables have turned....here's an English woman, Skyla, who, via her producers, looks and sounds Romanian. "Disco Drum" is a clear copy of popular Romanian singers such as Inna. They even tag Inna's smash "Hot" at the bottom of the released today video for "Disco Drum." Sadly Skyla's new song isn't quite as good as recent Inna, but it's not bad and it's beyond notable that a Manchester-based singer is really trying to go for a dance/pop sound pioneered in Bucharest. This is the 3rd official single from Skyla, known for tracks such as her "Breaking Free" from 2009.

Follow @europopped

I'm officially in love with Ilia Darlin. The Greek singer who now calls London home today released a new video hot off the heels of a just-debuted single called "Hit Me" and it's all kinds of awesome. I wrote about the sexy singer in 2010 and went all year last year without material from this rising star. But all is forgiven, as Ilia (now with EMI) is back and back in a big way! Check out the catchy single (written by Sunny Berhane, Djahmyne Stewart, Billy Mann and David Schuler) paired with a winning clip below. Katy Perry wishes she had this song in her catalog. A grower and a 100% winner.

Follow @europopped

So Gareth Emery and hotly tipped newcomer Christina Novelli are not technically from Europe. But Novelli does have European roots (obviously) and this new song and video does draw heavily on the best of EU trance. "Concrete Angel" (official release date 2/13/12) is simply the best trance/pop hybrid of the past six months and this clip, released last week, is too sweet to not post. The bonus for those who live here in Southern California is the slick-looking promo, which was shot near LAX and features a few iconic buildings familar to those who live in L.A. (who among us has not had fun at the Custom Hotel...great pool parties and great food at Deck 33 restaurant). Have a listen below...the song just keeps getting better the further into the track you get. Tight trance with true pop heart.

Follow @europopped

Happy New Year, friends. Today, the producers behind one of my favorite tracks of 2010 (Ezcapade's "When The Beat Drops") debuted a video for a song called "You Better Leave." The track, by England's Freak Asylum (who is really just Kelly Llorenna) has a very 1980's feel, which I guess is a clue as to what the sound of 2012 might be like. It's back to the future time, everyone! Anyway, the tune is by German songwriter Toby Gad, who wrote Fergie's Grammy nominated "Big Girls Don't Cry" as well as co-wrote/produced Beyoncé's worldwide smash "If I Were a Boy" (and other hits by different artists as well). "You Better Leave" was produced by Love To Infinity. Check it below, a grower, now with a saucy video (never mind upload date, this clip got its public debut today, Jan. 1 2012).

Follow @europopped

God damn this is good. Earlier this month Kosovo-born singer Rita Ora and DJ Fresh dropped this video for "Hot Right Now" and it's racking up You Tube streams at a very fast clip, not only in England where she now lives (and was raised) but also in Albania/Kosovo where fans are down with the proverbial hometown girl. Maybe a lot of people know her in the States because she's signed to Roc Nation, but I honestly haven't seen too many American blogs or magazines write her up just yet (but maybe that's just me). Anyway, clearly in England she is making a big impression, it seems, and with good reason: this song is on fire (DJ Fresh is the D&B producer behind "Louder," one of 2011's more interesting # 1 singles in England). Check out the promo below. So tight.

Follow @europopped