Merry Christmas!

It's almost Christmas!

This blog will not be updated for the next week or so. I would like to thank you all for your continuous visits this past year & hope you willl all have a wonderful and happy Christmas, wherever you are.

See you just before or after the New Year, which promises to be a very Murphy one!

x, Hopeless Optimist

Mamma's back to work

It's only been a week since she's given birth to her first child, but Roisin is already focussing on her music and making sure we don't forget our dance moves.

From Facebook:

Róisín Murphy got a good nights sleep! Today I felt ready to listen to the remixes of Mamma's Place. Lots of good ones! Now I can stay home and feed and change and stare at Clodagh safe in the knowledge you guys have something to dance to! Rxx

Mamma speaks!

An update from the new mother herself from Twitter:

Having a magical family time in Ireland. My mother has been a god send. Clodagh and her Grandma share a special bond.

It's a girl!

At 3.20 AM yesterday Roisin gave birth to a healthy baby girl that goes by the name of Clodagh Henwood. The little one weighs 8lbs 4oz.

Congratulations to Roisin & Simon on this joyous news!

Leave your comments/congrats please...

Crookers album tracklisting

The official tracklisting for the Crookers' album Tons Of Friends has been revealed and it features no less than two Roisin collaborations:

6. Hold Up Your Hand - Crookers Feat. Roisin Murphy
11. Royal T - Crookers Feat. Roisin Murphy

The album is out on the 8th of March next year! Can't wait.

Imelda Marcos & remixes

As I reported earlier this year, Roisin is set to feature on a concept album based on the life of former first lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos. The album is produced by David Byrne and Norman Cook, aka Fat Boy Slim.

It has now been confirmed that the title of the track that features Roisin is Don’t You Agree? The album will be released on February 23rd 2010 via Nonesuch Records and comes packaged with 100-page book detailing the project and a DVD.

In the meantime, Roisin has stated on Facebook that she is currently in the process of picking remixes of her next single Momma's Place.

Baby & single update

A little update from Murphy land: Roisin is currently still expecting her first child. Her next single Momma's Place will see the light of day in January 2010.

Comme un garçon

Another preview of the Dancian shoot from Zoo Magazine issue 25.

Roisin is wearing a coat, top, shorts and shoes by Comme des Garçons and leggings by Digitaria London. (credits)

Once again thanks to Igor at Zoo Magazine!

Another Zoo Magazine preview

Lust for Life
Róisín Murphy delves deeper into her two passions

by Daryoush Haj-Najafi/photography Dancian

Excerpts from the Zoo Magazine interview:

[...]

Daryoush Haj-Najafi: What’s the current challenge? The new track, Orally Fixated, is high-energy, pounding 80s-style song writing and pop re-imagined for the 21st century.
Róisín Murphy: The new record is dirtier, more straightforward, more in your face. That’s more challenging than being avant-garde to me. Having come from a point where I couldn't even sing and hadn't a clue, every single record has been a massive leap in understanding - just to get through it, that's what I'm addicted to. It's like being an adrenalin junkie.
This new record is meant to be more urban sounding, drawing on the UK’s breed of funky house. British black music is starting to come together now and have its own identity outside of American terms. I am a performer and ironically, it took me a long time to realize that. At this point, I'm really enjoying being free to make the shows and put the clothes together in a way I want.

[...]

DHN: You do seem to have this weird affect on people: you’re really famous and some sort of fashion icon.
RM: A fashion icon with a massive belly! I'm not at all famous! I'm not at all!

[...]

DHN: And you’re super famous in Belgium and Finland.
RM: Yeah, where they’re all manically-depressed. [laughs] I love the Belgians; they are genius. My favorite artist of all time is Rubens. I saw Rubens’ The Union of Earth and Water in St. Petersburg the other day. It’s the most perfect picture of a man and woman you’ve ever seen in your life. The characters are so real, it perfectly encapsulates the most realistic, yet romantic notions of what a relationship between a man and a woman is. He’s Earth and he’s really strong, he’s not even looking into the picture. He’s looking at her, it’s all about her and she just looks so intelligent, she looks like she's got it right sussed. He’s strong and grounded and there for her and she’s clever. It’s just a brilliant picture.

[...]

DHN: Will you be taking a break after the baby’s born?
RM: Not very long off. I'm very healthy - haven't really stopped working since I got pregnant. Touch wood everything goes to plan and I'll be out and about next summer touring and stuff.

You can read the complete interview in issue 25 of Zoo Magazine.

Preview: Zoo Magazine cover

Here's an exclusive sneak preview of the first of two Zoo Magazine covers (issue 25, 2009/2010) featuring a pregnant Roisin. Check back later for the second cover and a preview of the interview.

The full credits for Zoo Magazine's Roisin feature:

Lust for Life
Róisín Murphy delves deeper into her two passions
By Daryoush Haj-Najafi/photography Dancian

Fashion Editor: Sarah Bachs
Hair: Kenichi @ Caren Agency, using Bumble and Bumble
Makeup: Ayami Nishimura
Makeup Assistant: Joanna Banach
Fashion Editor’s Assistant: Ruth Lexington

Website: http://www.zoomagazine.de/

Thanks to Igor from Zoo Magazine!

Zoo Magazine exclusive

I can exclusively reveal that a pregnant Roisin will grace the cover of the next issue of Zoo Magazine. Roisin was photographed for the magazine by Dancian and interviewed by Daryoush Haj-Najafi.

Keep checking this space, as I will soon have an exclusive preview of the cover & photoshoot.

Momma & the baby are on their way

This morning Roisin left a message on her official message board, in which she reveals the baby is due soon and that Momma's Place will be the next bit of music we will hear from her. I seriously can't wait for this one... :

Hello everybody,
I have been well and truly out of the loop for four weeks now, I have escaped to the Irish countryside. I am still waiting for a special arrival, surely only a matter of days away! Although I can't do promotion or worry about photos and videos I left some music for you. I believe in this music, and I need to, as it will have to stand alone without the usual hoopla that goes with releasing singles.

I have been so prolific in the last few months and I really feel that can continue over the next years, so I thought what do I have to lose by allowing the music to surface, when there is plenty more where that came from? Better I allow the music to find its way out there, than sit on it till I have the time to do a big old promotion.

Three tracks in all will be rolled out over the course of my convalescence, the next one is called Momma's Place and it’s a Banger!!! There has been a lot of talk about buzz singles and such but I don’t really get that. I am not singed to a record label right now and this is not a highly planned campaign. I am not trying to be commercial and I am not trying to be non-commercial. I am simply releasing tracks and I expect they will each find there own level. I might as well let the songs live; perhaps I am in life-giving mode!

So please enjoy the music for now and when I am able and ready my plans are sure to evolve into something much more.

The baby & music

A few moments ago, Roisin posted the following message on Facebook:

hey my sweets... the baby is near and so is another single... im really excited for you all to hear this one... its something that is very me and is a fun one .. think overpowered part 2... love you all and thanks for the support.. ro xx

Moloko memories 2000

The Time Is Now.

A nice picture of Roisin and Mark Brydon I came across today, courtesy of Michel Mees.

Roisin works with Mason

Roisin has recorded a track with Dutch producers duo Mason for their debut album, which will be released sometime in the new year.

The duo approached Roisin to give the album a 'warm organic feel'. Due to other commitments it took some planning before the three musicians could meet up in the studio, but when it finally happened the collaboration went very well. As Iason, one of Mason's members, said: "She is a very professional artist. It's a great honour to work with someone like her".

Source: oor.nl

NME: It's a must hear

According to NME, Roisin's new single Orally Fixated is one of the 'must hear' tracks of the week:

Er... cripes. Roisin's been the mistress of formidable dancefloor pop ever since her Moloko days, and she just keeps getting better. Opening with Alice In Wonderland cries of 'eat me' and 'drink me', the scarily deep techno-house and cavernous drums of this track suggest a world of out-of-control passion to get lost in before morphing into Basement Jaxx-ish hip-hop-house-pop.

------------
If you're not yet Orally Fixated don't forget the track is out now on iTunes.

It's all coming

A cryptic message on Roisin's official page on Facebook. What could it mean?

RBMA Radio show

Click here to visit Red Bull Music Academy Radio and listen to a great show presented by Roisin herself. Alternatively you can listen via the embedded player:



In the hour long show, Roisin talks about her musical inspirations and making "electronic poppy dance music". It's definitely worth a listen!

Free download now online!

Click here to download Orally Fixated for free from The Guardian website, available for a very limited time only.

05.03.2010?

Swiss music retailer CeDe is advertising a yet to be titled Roisin Murphy album, to be released on 5 March 2010:


Though there has been no official confirmation, this could well be the release date for Roisin's long awaited third album.

Roisin speaks to Out

Roisin has spoken to US magazine Out about her current musical project. She has promised to release three singles and is asking fans to be patient while she takes some time out to become a mother.

Click here to watch the video, which also features a preview of a recent photo shoot.

Orally Fixated - the verdict

So, one day after you first heard it, what are your thoughts on Orally Fixated?

Personally I am pleased and excited to hear Roisin's new sound, but also feel this song has 'buzz single' written all over it. (A 'buzz single' is released as a treat to fans and draws attention to an artist leading up to a major release.) A few weeks ago Roisin herself said: "I will be giving you guys a song to download for free also, probably Orally Fixated" (source).

It’s great news that Orally Fixated will also be released in the US. This makes a lot of sense in the digital age, when just about every song can be found on the web, wherever you are in world. Roisin is dropping the single via AWAL (which stands for Artists Without a Label) which gives her full control over the distribution to major online stores and download sites. This means there is no interference from record companies and their agendas.

I expect the first proper single release (Demon Lover?) to more or less coincide with the release of Roisin's next album, which she is still working on. As she will probably take a few months of 'maternity leave' before making any promotional commitments, the album is likely to have a spring release. In the meantime let's all give Roisin a well deserved baby break and look forward to a wonderfully funky spring.

Roisin Murphy for Kai Kuhne

Roisin Murphy for Kai Kuhne - photographed by Mark Squire

Click here to view the complete gallery.

Join on Facebook!

If you are on Facebook, please join the special Roisin Murphy Blogspot page here.

Orally Fixated

From pitchfork.com:

Is that a picture of Irish dance-pop ice-queen Róisín Murphy? It's not her Slutty Betty Draper Halloween costume. It's the cover of the former Moloko singer's forthcoming single "Orally Fixated", which we're guessing isn't about her compulsive need to brush her teeth seven times a day.

In the UK, "Orally Fixated" will drop November 16 via AWAL. In the U.S., it'll be out a day later. You'll be able to cop it from iTunes, and The Guardian will offer a free download for 48 hours. It will also be streaming via Murphy's Facebook and MySpace pages.

At the moment, Murphy is nine months pregnant, but she's still working on new music. That's dedication! She's got three new singles on the way, due next year.

Single update

An update from Roisin herself, posted on Facebook:

Hi ya guys... Single Announcement with the title and new single artwork will be going up at www.pitchfork.com in the next hour or so... Take a look there...Once that goes live the stream of the new single will be live here at FACEBOOK! Stay tuned... its coming soon, I promise... and sorry for technical delays...R xx

Demon Lover... or?

Rumour has it that Demon Lover will not be the first single off Roisin's upcoming album. Whatever the case may be, we shall find out tomorrow!

*Update 02/11: Demon Lover will indeed NOT be the first single. Let the countdown begin...

Demon Lover première + free download

This Monday, November the 2nd, Roisin will première her new single Demon Lover on MySpace and Facebook!

I can also reveal that an exclusive free download will also be available very soon. Watch this space!

Silver Spoon

Sorry for my silence, which was due to a bit of leisure in the Mediterranean...

Last week saw the online première of the short fashion film Silver Spoon, which features Roisin wearing clothes by designer Kai Kuhne:



It was shot earlier this year at the National Arts Club in New York by Pierce Jackson.

The film was premièred at the Musee Galliera in Paris on September 25, as part of the event A Shaded View on Fashion Film 2009, organised by fashion icon Diane Pernet.

Yatzer feature

A great Viktor & Rolf picture from yatzer.com, which has a feature on the show.

Thanks to Costas.

Roisin's fashion inspiration

Roisin has spoken to Elle magazine and revealed that her personal style is inspired by her mother.

She said: "My greatest inspiration is my mother. She has an amazing softness in her approach to the world, and she was a great clotheshorse in her day. I remember watching her when she was getting ready to go out. There is something in the narrative of women transforming themselves that's so special and magical."

The former Moloko star also revealed her fashion hero is hat designer Christophe Coppens because of the accessories he has designed for her in the past.

She told Elle: "Christophe Coppens has saved my shows more than once. He's Belgian and primarily a hat designer, but he's more of an artist. He made me a necklace of two life-sized men climbing up me, and a houndstooth cape that had a big deer right across the shoulders. I wore antlers as well."

Picture: Roisin & Casey Spooner from Fischerspooner (by Rakin)

More from V&R

A backstage picture of Roisin being made-up for her performance at the Viktor & Rolf show in Paris. You can read an interesting item about the show's scenography here.

Thanks to Anouk & Oxotnic!

Roisin at Westwood

A brief interview with a glowing Roisin at Vivienne Westwood's show recently.

Another Meds Perch portrait

One more picture by photographer Meds Perch, from the Danish magazine Soundvenue.

Demon Lover is a hit!

The Demon Lover poll results are in!

76% of you love the song, either with (44%) or without the rap (32%). 17% isn't yet sure about the song, which leaves 6% to think that the song is either mediocre (3%) or not good at all (3%).

Back from Gay Paris

Roisin is "back from Gay Paris" and has posted a message on her forum about performing at the Viktor & Rolf show.

She also speaks about her new work and confirms that the rap sections of Demon Lover are taken from a remix of the song, which I suspected all along:

"Oh my lord that was terrifying on so many levels, not lest of all health & safety! Standing up on that pedestal in that dress of torture, in sky high heals in front of the fashion world, seven and a half months pregnant, if you listen carefully you can hear the fear in my voice. But I got through it and felt like a super hero, ha!!

By the way, what I performed exactly was a kind of Mega-mix, four tracks in total but only two songs. The first song is Royal T and it will appear on the Crookers album due out soon. Hold Up Your Hands does not appear here, it is a totally different track but also a Crookers collaboration. The second is Demon Lover and I used two different Mixes crossing over on my second verse. The first version you hear is the original, Co-written and produced with Seiji. The second is a Donaeo remix. Funny how some fans really don’t like the MCing, but you know I love it.

Expect some news about a release very soon and I will be giving you guys song to download for free also, probably "Orally Fixated". It’s a funny old time what with being up the Duff an’ all and I know this is all running a bit later than expected, so thank you for staying with me, not long now."

Live at V&R - artwork

In case you have uploaded it onto your iPod, here's the 'unofficial' artwork for Roisin Murphy's Live at V&R. Download the MP3 here.

*Update*

Here is an alternative cover designed by Manek, who named the 'EP' Demon Lover Live:

LFW photo

A photo of Roisin at London Fashion Week, courtesy of kastakephoto.

V&R audio download

Click here to download an MP3 audio rip of Roisin performing Royal T and Demon Lover at the Viktor & Rolf show.

Thanks to Sam!

Demon Lover Poll

Backstage at V&R

Two backstage pictures from yesterday's Viktor & Rolf show in Paris.

Viktor & Rolf - the video

The videos of the Viktor & Rolf show, with Roisin performing Demon Lover and another new song!

VR&R

Paris, earlier today: Viktor, Rolf & Roisin.

V&R twitter update

From ElleUK.

"Soon to-be-released"

According to Vogue, Roisin will give guests at tomorrow's Viktor & Rolf show in Paris "a sneak preview of her new, soon to-be-released material".

It seems there is more than just a baby on the way!

Roisin to perform at V&R show

Some exciting new from fashionista.com:

A very pregnant Róisín Murphy will be performing live (with new material!) at the Viktor & Rolf show in Paris on Saturday. We are sure she will not disappoint and cannot wait to see how they outfit her.

"We are attracted and inspired by what we call mega-women: strong women who follow their own path and are uncompromisingly themselves," said the designers. "Róisín Murphy is a source of inspiration for us. We share with her the need for theatricality and performance in our work. Róisín personifies a power of transformation. On-stage she easily morphs into a beautifully fierce character, while off-stage she is the counterpart of her theatrical self: soft-spoken, modest, even quiet."

As for the singer: "I have been known to go to some extremes in my fashion choices but the Viktor & Rolf dress that I wore for my 'Overpowered' promotion had its own sound and lighting rig incorporated which tops them all."

This is a perfect pairing as far as we're concerned. And it sounds like it might be the kind of performance that makes Gaga a little jealous, non?
---------------------------------------

Roisin also said: "I am a huge fan of Viktor & Rolf, their designs encapsulate futuristic techniques and wry surrealism, the clothes are literally a thrill to wear. I find levels of story and concept in their work and have road tested many of their designs on stage. For my performances I am looking for clothing to amplify the often conflicting emotions in my own work. I want nothing to box me in as a performer, any notions of "chic" must be counterbalanced with humour and wit, intelligence comes with fearlessness and joy comes with the memory of pain. Being human is a complex business and that is exactly what I wish to reflect, even in the way I dress. These ideas are timeless and so are Viktor & Rolf."

After the show, Viktor & Rolf will upload a video of the performance on their official website!

Mads Perch photos

Betty sent me two great pictures of Roisin by photographer Meds Perch, first published in the Danish magazine Soundvenue.

Video Poll

During her solo career, Roisin has thus far made 6 music videos. Which one is your favourite?

House of Cards

Last week, Roisin and her partner Simon Henwood attended Shelter's House of Cards charity exhibition in London.

Thanks to Betty!

Basso & Broke show

Roisin attended the Basso & Broke show in London. Did she skip her breathing classes? Hope not!

Thanks to Betty for always being photo alert!

LFW interview

Click here to view a short interview with Roisin at London's Fashion Week.

In the interview she announces that she won't be attending any more shows this week due to breathing class commitments. Oh, and the sultry red lips have made their return...

Roisin & John Rocha

Roisin posing with designer John Rocha during London's Fashion week.

Catwalk Queen about Roisin's outfit:

Roisin Murphy always livens up a London Fashion Week front row, her outfits a mix of eccentric and impeccable. This time she's plumped for a gorgeous mix of nude tones, with dove white jacket and flesh toned dress. Is that a pair of harem pants/bloomers I spy underneath? Hope so! Love the pale pink wedges, Roisin definitely knows how to do nude!

LFW - II

On Sunday, Roisin attended the Julien MacDonald and Vivienne Westwood S/S 2010 catwalk shows in London. No sultry red lipstick this time.

Thanks to Betty.

LFW report

A radiant looking Roisin has been attending a few catwalk shows during London's Fashion Week, which has just begun. Some pictures...

> At the Ashish show.

> At the John Rocha show.

Thanks to Betty, who's taken the time to bring these to my attention!

RM = DJ

A nice picture of Roisin 'spinning' a few records for Dolce & Gabbana a couple of months ago, courtesy of swide.com.

Momma's making an impression

It may be a rough live recording, but the first preview of Roisin's brand new song Momma's Place is already causing quite a stir on the Internet.

Here's an overview of some of the YouTube honours it received today:


It's quite clear music lovers are eagerly anticipation Roisin's new material.

Momma's Place (for the little one)

Oh dear, we got it all wrong again...

Rumours published on the web are turned into facts before you know it. Earlier today Roisin posted a few corrections on the official forum regarding the songs she previewed the other night:

Just to say, the two new songs I did the other night were, Hold Up Your Hands and Momma’s Place (written for the little one). To save further confusion. Had a great time, my mixing is actually coming along and I am starting to like DJing quite a lot!

It's great to see she's keeping us up-to-date on this exciting new project!

Thanks to Metty for the beautiful picture, courtesy of Pal Hansen.

New material previewed in London

A big belly and even bigger tunes!

Roisin previewed some amazing new material in London's SeOne club last night, during the event Burlectric. She performed Billionaire and what sounded like Demon Lover, as well as Let Me Know and Forever More.


I have to say I am very excited about her new songs and the taster they offer for the next album. The dark sounds and deep heavy bass offer a perfect setting for Roisin's voice, reminiscent of some of the things she did with Moloko.

Having heard some of the new stuff, I now understand what Roisin means when she says the new album will have a "more urban and gritty sound than Overpowered".


If you want to hear what Billionaire is all about, watch the video below. It will blow you away, believe me!



Click here for more videos and song previews.

Thanks to CL and his steady hand for the first two pictures! x

*Update 07/09* See next post!