Pet Shop Boys announce New Album on the 30th Anniversary of West End Girls!

Hard to believe "West End Girls" just turned 30 years old! Time flies!

As the Pet Shop Boys have matured, so has their music in substance and style.

It was welcome news that, on this anniversary, the enduring PSBs have announced the release of a new album. It's titled Super and the advance word is exactly that.

I grew up, in my adulthood, with Pet Shop Boys as part of the soundtrack of my life. I have seen them live, notably at Radio City Music Hall, and they never disappoint.

You can pre-order on Amazon & iTunes. Super is officially released on April 1st.

Christmas Wrap to The Waitresses on My 2015 Christmas Countdown

Still wrapping your gifts? Do it to this great '80s song from The Waitresses!

My Countdown certainly would not feel complete without this.

I saw The Waitresses in the 1980s at Danceteria (one of my favorite clubs ever) where they performed their hit, "I Know What Boys Like."

But here they are with this fantastically clever Christmas song. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas! Now wrap those presents!

It's a Disco Christmas on My 2015 Christmas Countdown with Universal Robot Band

We're in a disco state of mind this year during the holiday season. So do the bump, to "Disco Christmas" by the Universal Robot Band, around the tree.

Universal Robot Band had one other dance-club hit, that being "Dance and Shake Your Tambourine."

The back-up vocalists do the singing while Rudolph and Santa kibitz in this 1977 number.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a very disco holiday!

Madonna on Our Christmas Countdown 2015

Does Madge know how to wear a Christmas tree or what!

It's the holiday season, so celebrate with this great seasonal remix of "Holiday" as our Christmas Countdown carries on!

The Weather Girls Write Santa on My 2015 Christmas Countdown

"This is an open letter to Mr. Santa Claus!"

The Weather Girls -- Martha Wash and Izora Whitehead -- started as Sylvester's back-up girls known as Two Tons o' Fun. They became The Weather Girls when they recorded "It's Raining Men" for my friend Bob Esty and the late Paul Jabara, who.

Here, they want a man for Christmas. So enjoy, disco around the tree and let it snow!

Oh, and Santa's voice is actually that of Paul Schaffer's, who co-wrote the song.

Lene Lovich on My 2015 Christmas Countdown

Lene Lovich's "New Toy" became associated with the holiday season, officially, when Target used the song  in its tv ads in the 1990s.

The song, ironically, is about material addiction and was written by Thomas Dolby ("She Blinded Me with Science"). Lene blinds us with neediness in this tune.

Upbeat New Age dance music, Lene performed this at clubs internationally, even at NYC's Studio 54!

For the crass materialism in all of us. By the way, I'm sick of the Hoover!

Halloween Countdown 2015: More Interplanetary Crafts from Jackie Clune

A British comedian and satirist parodied this song wonderfully.

Jackie Clune (imagine Karen Carpenter saying "clone")  captures The Carpenters' lead singer's vocals delightfully in this dancefloor send-up. Karen's brother Richard, admitted his sister became obsessed with her diction around this time.

Yesterday, I posted the original version of Occupants on my Halloween Countdown. Here's the cheeky hiNRG dance mix.

Ms Clune is a UK dj, impersonator and comedienne. Ironically, perhaps, it was recorded for the Klone dance-music label.

For your Halloween party....

Halloween Countdown 2015: Hot Blood ~ Soul Dracula

Here's a wacky little disco ditty from the "70s.

This song's been on my Halloween Countdown every year. This is the first year, I believe, that I included the music video.

For your enjoyment; another great one for your Halloween party this year!

Halloween Countdown 2015: Cher Zombie Mix

Cher has certainly been revived from the dead enough times to make this song on my Halloween Countdown just perfect for the season. Stevers62 does another expert remix for Halloween time!

We've all heard it said that, after an atomic blast, there would be nothing left but cockroaches and Cher!

She is indestructible. Almost inhuman. Here she is in all her fabulousness with soundbites from George Romero's Night of the Living Dead, for your latest Halloween Countdown entertainment.

Do you believe in life after... death? You haven't seen the last of Cher!

Audio Beaverhausen: Janet Jackson Is Unbreakable

Janet Jackson gets her groove back with her new release, Unbreakable. Buddy Beaverhausen gave this a listen and was not disappointed in the pop singer's new effort.

Janet is now a survivor and she's out to prove it to us. This album has a new gritty/ funky quality replacing the sweetness of her younger years. ("Too much sugar is bad for your smile" are lyrics from the single "No Sleep.) Songs of experience.

I bought my copy of Unbreakable on cd at Rebel Rebel on Bleecker off Christopher Streets. The cd has liner notes, lyrics and photos.

Janet no longer has the whispy, girly sound of her early days. Her voice has strengthened and toughened with time. Lots of brass on this album, including trombones and trumpets. It's a new but becoming sound for her. She and her band also conjure up memories of Sly & the Family Stone in "Gon' Be Alright." Her first single from the album is "No Sleep," a rather sexy little tune. I expect to see it climb the singles charts soon.

Overall, despite a couple of misfires out of 17 tracks, this album is recommended to Janet fans, produced by Jam & Lewis, her old collaborators. R&B, dance music, adult/contemporary, rock, soul, it has it all going on!

Exclusive Q&A with Luci Martin, formerly of Chic and Next Step

Luci Martin was one of the voices of the femme-fronted classic-disco group, the immortal Chic. The girls have formed the new girl-group, Next Step. They will also be appearing at 54 Below's brunch celebrating Sarah Dash's 70th birthday! It was my pleasure to have the opportunity to ask Ms Martin some questiions today.

Buddy Beaverhausen: I am so looking forward to seeing you at Sarah Dash's birthday brunch on Sunday at 54 Below. How well do you ladies know Sarah?

Luci Martin: Although I do not know Sarah, personally, very well, I feel as though I have known her since the day I picked up a Labelle Album. She was and will always be an influence in my becoming an artist. Being successful at such a young age, inspired in me the possibilities of a career in entertainment in an expressive and different way.

BB: There's a whole new interest in classic or classic-styled disco music that's been going on. Why do you think that is at this point in time? 

LM: I think it fills a void in today's industry. Sometimes, you just want to dance and feel happy. That is what dance music does for you. We are coming out of a time of hardship, depressed economy and aggressive political views. It can be a bit overwhelming and makes us think of a happier time. I think that the disco style and message embodied a lighter head space and a sense of release. There is also no age requirement for its enjoyment and I feel as though they are key factors in its resurgence.

BB:Nile Rodgers has a new album. You're on a track or two I understand. What was doing that like?

LM: For me, there was a bittersweet element to it. It instantly took me back to the good times we all shared (pun intended) and the relationships we built and yet it was just as strongly a reminder of what has passed and who was missing. For many years, I shared a life with a special group of talented people and the two most important influences in my life were gone. Bernard and Tony. Having the opportunity to record again with Nile and Alfa, along with the ghostly whispers of my best friends was magical for me. Combine that with working along side with old and new friends and the wonderful vocalists now working under the Chic organization is something I will forever feel grateful for.

BB: What can we expect from you on Sunday?

LM: You can expect some Good Times, both literally and figuratively. We are excited to be a part of this and mix a little old with a bit of our new.

BB: You ladies are fantastic! Iconic disco divas yet still on the scene relevantly. What's this about a new song with Aristofreeks?

LM: Our recent release is entitled 'Get On Up' , off the PEM label featuring music by Aristofreeks, and we hope the title and music entices everyone to do just that. Our dear friend Kathy Sledge wrote the lyrics for us.

BB: What's it like to work together as a group for so long?

LM: A lot like riding a bike, lol, after a few adjustments, a reintroduction to how the machine works, it's all forward movement. 

BB: Any forthcoming gigs in the NYC area?

LM: We are working on developing our show, music and letting the public learn who we are as a group, so naturally doing live shows is our ultimate goal. We expect to have a schedule soon which can be found on our web page, www.nextstepmusic.us

BB: What music did you grow up listening to? And what singers influenced you most?

LM: I grew up as a child listening to jazz and opera, my dad loved classical music, but as i grew older, i became a fan of musicals and old movies in black and white for the beautiful classic clothing. I guess that makes it fortuitous that I would end up in a group named "Chic". I later gravitated towards groups like Labelle, Mother's Finest, Mint condition and, of course,  Stevie Wonder. Joplin, Baez, Manchester, Laura Nyro, and a host of country writers also were big influences for me in my writing.

BB: Any contemporary artists you enjoy listening to?

LM: Right now I am a big fan of artists like Jill Scott, India Arie, Sia, Maya and Adele..hmm I just realized I have no men listed haha, well I appreciate them also, but I find the ones who are primarily writers I admire most. Did I mention Amy Winehouse??

BB: Can you tell us anything about your performance at Sunday's brunch?

LM: t will be fun, casual and inviting. A dedication to my sister in song.

BB: Any last shout-outs to my international readership and disco-lovers?

LM: Without you, I am just a dream. Thank you all for being more than just a fan and for the years of support!

BB: See you Sunday and thank you for this interview! Can't wait to meet you.

On My Turntables for LGBT Pride 2015

It's Pride Month with NYC's Pride Day coming up a week from Sunday. Here are the latest promo remixes to come across my desk:

Ricky Martin's back, but with Pitbull. I think I could do without the rapper but I think that's the market the song is geared toward. I have to say this is a huge disappointment after 2011's "Freak of Nature (Mas)." In fact, I found this whole thing a cacophony and very annoying.

Carlos Gallardo's remix does rise above the deep-house murkiness of most of the efforts I listened to; something more on the hi-nrg side. I don't think most gay dance-music fans will embrace this mess, though.

Britney Spears and Iggy Izalea's "Pretty Girls" is another hot mess and remixers can only do so much for it. I actually cringed. No re-working can make these pretty girls perky. Pity since Britney has been a roll lately. This song was like listening to a car crash.

Ralphi Rosario's "Forever" is more to my taste out of this bum --not bumper -- crop of club music. His original mix is definitely geared toward big-rooms, and femme vocalist Frankie's voice soars in true diva fashion. Those vocals are upfront in the Majik Boys mix before it crescendos into a well-done nu-NRG mix. Best for money, however, is the upbeat Twisted Dee remix bound to motivate you to join the dance floor and move your money-maker.

Holly Johnson, of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, returns in top voice with remixes from the UK album. Europa. Phil Harding gives the beautiful "In and Out of Love" a classic, hands-in-the air flare that is perfect for Pride, as is Richard Cutmore's remix of Holly's "Heaven's Eyes."

See you at the march and at the clubs!

Audio Beaverhausen: Madonna's Rebel Heart

I bought the deluxe edition (five extra tracks) but it only extended the agony of the Rebel Heart experience. While I enjoyed MDNA and Confessions on a Dancefloor recently, I thought the latest album (released today) was the epitome of -- to borrow a term from Richard Skipper -- "the celebration of mediocrity" in our current culture.

Actually, to call this effort mediocre is a compliment! I know fans may flame me and several critics have confoundedly taken Rebel Heart seriously, but sorry, this cd made my eardrums hurt. I doubt very much that the download would offer different results.

Madge is recycling on this album: about NYC, about L.A., an intro from Vogue, S&M (a major theme), rap, guitar-driven (and freaking boring) ballads, and foul language spewed gratuitously throughout like a trail of little poops. Often meaning to shock and be controversial, her words come across yawn-inducing instead. Haven't we been there with her before? I truly think we have.

Her first single from Rebel Heart, "Living for Love," kicks off the album in high style. Unfortunately, afterwards, everything turns to dross. A droning, desperate attempt to stay relevant, edgy, punk, young and youthful, and guess what? She pulls off none of that. Major failure, though I expect it will sell well due to the money backing its promotion. Herein, however, the empress has no clothes. Literally and, at times, figuratively on its cd liner notes images. Bedtime Stories? This sure was one big snooze all right.

Aretha: Remixed in the Deep

It was only a matter of time before Aretha Franklin's cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" (from her new album, Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics -- her highest charting album since 1985 -- http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/10/aretha-rolling-in-divas.html) got the club/ dancefloor treatment. At the time of writing, three really good, energetic remixes have emerged of the Clive Davis-created, Babyface-produced track.

Cutmore, Wideboys and Morlando's mixes are available for djs in full club-mix length, all running around the 6-minute mark (including intros and outros), as well as in radio-edit formats. All of these producers/ remixers/ djs are British and have been exceptionally prolific in recent years. Richard Cutmore is a solo artist, while Morlando and Wideboys are teams of two artists combining their talents in each case.

Well, Miss Ree is now rolling in the remixes of the sophisticated and upbeat house-music styles of these popular and vital club-music hotshots. And she's rolling uphill ~~ to the top of the charts.

Wideboys' mix is the one most likely to appeal to US clubgoers because of its tempo and the most protracted use of the "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" back-up chorus from the original Babyface production. At a total 6:05 minutes play time, it has an unusually long outro for dj mixing purposes.

Cutmore's endeavor is the smoothest and most understated, though definitely hiNRG-influenced, like the two others, when it comes to bpms.

And Morlando's mix is surely positioned to be the UK and European fave of the crop.

Any of these remixes would inspire me to get on the dancefloor and boogie on down to one of the world's most enduring divas. Hoping Aretha's "Rolling in the Deep"  bubbles to the top on dance charts internationally. It's already # 2 on the US Billboard club listing. Maybe its success will spur the powers that be to follow up with club remixes of the album's cover version of the perpetual disco classic, "I Will Survive."

True disco-diva power and remix bliss in time for the holiday season.

Halloween Countdown 2014 Returns!

Yes, as indestructible as the Count himself, my Halloween Countdown carries on with the eternal, perennial 1977 classic disco cult hit, "Soul Dracula" by Hot Blood!

Masquerade Party at Icon

Hot off the heels of Nick Lion's NYC club Icon's Night of 100 Marilyns, that Queens pleasuredome was hot again last night, despite the unusually cool August temperatures, as divine dance diva Masquerade was in the house. It was my pleasure to meet dance music's newest rising star who is signed to Inaya Day's new label, Ny-O-Dae Music, Inc.

I recently interviewed Miss Masquerade, so it was a thrill to meet her in person at Icon. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-diva-behind-mask-exclusive-q-with.html This lady is a triple threat of brains, beauty and talent as she later displayed when she performed with her two male dancers.

Masquerade opened her three-song set, after midnight, with her chart-climbing new dance number, "Higher," an energetic, makes-you-want-to-move tune, to an appreciative and very packed house. She followed it up with two splendidly rendered covers: Rihanna's "We Found Love (in a Hopeless Place), that I liked better than the original, in fact, and a sensational interpretation of Robin S's "Show Me Love." Kudos to Barbara Sobel for arranging for Masquerade's appearance last night.

Dj Ian Ford was dj'ing and truly sparked a disco inferno, as the party people packed the floor. And, as usual, Nick Lion was the most gracious host with the most.

Here are some pictures I took  of another fabulous, Iconic night:

The Barbara Sobel Birthday Social Exclusive Q&A

I'm eagerly anticipating my return to Icon, in Astoria, this weekend, to celebrate dance-music mogul Barbara Sobel's birthday. Club owner Nick Lion will be there   http://blabittobeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/09/q-with-love-goddess-and-icons-nick-lion.html; Dj Ian Ford (Fford) will be spinning http://longisland.ourcityradio.com/stations/dance-news/long-island-city-radio-presents-dj-buddy-beaverhausen-qa-dj-remixer-ian-ford. It should be a blast! 

Barbara is the head of Sobel Promotions, Sobel Nation Records, runs the Sobel Nation Network Radio Stations, and works for Our City Radio (Dance Channels)/ Queens Our City Radio and someone I've come to consider a personal friend (though I haven't actually seen her since December, at the Get Out! Awards at X/L). Most artists who work for Barbara Sobel feel part of her family and benefit from her guidance and generosity. It was a joy to have the opportunity to interview her ahead of the Icon birthday bash.


Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: You are a Taurus by my reckoning, Ms Sobel. I didn't realize we were born under the same sign. What Taurean traits do you have according to the zodiac?
Barbara Sobel: I don't follow the zodiac much, so I had to Google the traits. [Laughs.]  I do have to say the majority of traits I do not have. I am not self-indulgent (sorry, I am not a mani/pedi type gal), materialistic (No Gucci for me), or lazy (I work 365 days a year including holidays and haven't been on a vacation (and it was a working vacation) since 2007).  I am extremely patient, and have to be working with all the personalities and nuances of the music business, stubborn (as Julian Marsh can attest to), and possessive.

DBB: Well, all the best people are Tauruses in my opinion. Cher! Grace Jones! Bono! Adele! Queen Elizabeth! Me! What do you think we all have in common?

BS: I think that all those people are very open minded, liberal and believe in equality to all. They have all seen injustice against humanity whether it be towards the LGBT community, poverty, discrimination etc, and they didn't sit by quiet and actually did something. Not to mention they think outside the box, have had more haters than they can mention

DBB: You went to Hofstra and NYU, where you got your Masters in Social Work. Where did you think you were headed at the time?

BS: I am very proud to say that I am a LCSW-R, passing my State Boards. When I was in high school, my father, Robert Sobel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Sobel) installed in me the importance of an education.  I was one of the originators who worked with AIDS patients when the disease first came about, and was very active in ACT-UP.  I was known as the Angel Of Death in the hospitals.  When doctors and nurses saw me enter a patient's room, they knew the patients disease and knew that it would soon be time.  I have always wanted to work with the terminally ill and help them die (sorry, I don't sugar coat it.)  Nothing is more gratifying to be with a person at the time of their death.  I don't believe anybody should die alone, and we all know how many people did just that at the beginning of the AIDS crisis.

DBB: What influenced or directed you toward a career in dance music?

BS: I actually got my start with the band Culture Club, before they were famous. I started out writing fanzines, then message boards.... and slowly my career took shape as my work started to get noticed by the actual bands and they hired me.

DBB: When did Sobel Nation initially kick off?

BS: Sobel Promotions (www.sobelpromotions.com) kicked off in 2010. Yes, four years ago. I was working for another promoter and had a different view of how things should be run. I saw first hand the drama that was going on in this business and experienced it. Heck, when I started I had a two hour conversation with some people in the business who stated they will destroy me and went on to try to blacklist me, telling their friends not to associate with me. To this day, the 'clique' remains and I have even had Billboard Reporters who are part of the 'clique' say publicly they would not play anything related to me. I laugh at this type of behavior and it proves my point and why I started Sobel Promotions. To some, it isn't about the music. It is about the drama and the 'cliques.' After I started Sobel Promotions, we continued to grow with radio stations and a record label.  The Artists, DJ's, and Record Labels within my promotion company have formed a nation.... a family.  When one of us succeeds, we all succeeds, when one of us fails we all fail. We may have significant others in our lives, but truthfully, the only one who understands the craziness of this industry and lifestyle is another musician.  Sobel Nation is a family. We all have different personalities like any family. We have our quirks. We fight. We make up. Not all of us get along like any family. However, we are all respectful of each other. The oneness and family atmosphere which I have developed is exactly why I started Sobel Promotions, and quite truthfully, I haven't seen anything quite like us out there and I look forward to the continued growth and addition of new members.

DBB: Sobel Nation is on fire now! So many great dj promos. What do you think are some of your hottest recent remixes right now?

BS: Ah... I am not going to choose one, because if I promote it, the single is "The Best Of The Best." Every single is special in their own right, and I can't say that a House tune is hotter than a Trance tune. All my singles are hot, and all will make somebody out there happy.

DBB: Tell us about Sobel Nation Radio if you will.

BS: Sobel Nation Radio consists of Sobel Nation Radio which plays dance music and the Sobel Promotions Station which plays music only from the songs I promote. I may be the only promotion company with its own radio station. Some of the songs I promote may be difficult to place on mainstream radio, and I believe everybody in my company should get radio airplay.

DBB: You have a birthday bash coming up at Icon in Astoria this Sunday. Not everyone gets feted in such a grand manner by club owner Nick Lion, with Ian Fford spinning. Are you excited about all this? (Because I am.)

BS: I am very excited.  Not only is ICON the hottest club in Queens, but also because I get to meet Nick and IANNNNNN for the first time.... and Ian may not survive it :)

Barbara lays healing hands on dance-music artist eric Alan

DBB: Can't wait to see you on Sunday. We'll talk some more. Any shout-outs I can add to my piece?

BS: I would like to shout out to everybody in my promotion company. I am not going to single people out, because then I will leave somebody out and they will get upset I better give a shout out to my mother or she will kill me. I also want to always thank my vet Dr. Wyler at Trylon Vet Care,  and my best friend Karla Wallach. Without him I wouldn't be going to ICON because they take care of my cats. Also a special shout out to Priscilla Ragsdell. Look, Priscilla. You are now famous and I am doing all this to impress you. Ricky Clawson MJS and everybody loves Raum, Who is Chris Colby?, Joe Gillan send cat treats, Mike "Fa La La Jolly" I Love StoneBridge, Leigh Denyer stay away from sharks,and Mixgeselle..... just remember.  You will not be a part of any of this.

In all seriousness, a special mention to Julian Marsh, Leo Frappier, Ronnie Matthews, Kevin Unger, Gary Cannavo, you were there with me from the very beginning and stayed despite the craziness and didn't listen to the drama. 

In all further seriousness, thank you for all the people who believed in my vision of creating a family.... They believed that it should be about the MUSIC and supporting each other.  Not drama and high school games or 'cliques.'

I would also like to shout out to all the fans of the artists, DJ's and Record Labels within Sobel Nation. Without you, I wouldn't be here and neither would the artists. Keep listening and thanks for all the support!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Sobel

--

The Sobel Nation Network Consists Of:

Sobel Promotions, The Sobel Nation Network of Radio Stations, Our City Radio (Dance Channels), Queens Our City Radio & Sobel Nation Records
www.sobelpromotions.com

www.sobelnationradio.fm

House Classic: I Got My Education by Uncanny Alliance

A house music classic and I only recently realized there was a video! Message: Stay in school, bitches. (Hey, I got my education!) Lead diva was one E.V. Mystique. It was Uncanny Alliance's first hit single on the dance charts back in 1992.

Attitude, attitude was all she sent/ Now she can't afford antiperspirant/ Books and schools just give you the blues/ But oh, dear girl, where are your shoes?

Camp value: Extreme. Entertainment value: Priceless. Enjoy!

Get Horny with Lonnie Gordon

Get horny with the return of smokin' hot diva Lonnie Gordon's new number, "Horny"! Here's the official video! She's happenin' all over again:

EXCLUSIVE Q&A with "Dominate My Love's" AMBER DIRKS

I first interviewed Amber Dirks in 2012. Check out the link and see how many club hits you know by her. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/07/exclusive-q-with-dance-diva-amber-dirks.html 

An amazing voice that at times reminds me of Loleatta Holloway (it's that powerful), at times Donna Summer (to whom she can bear a striking resemblance at times). Amber has a huge club hit now, "Dominate My Love," on the Carrillo Music label. It was time to speak again with one of the sweetest divas in the world, the one, the wonderful Ms Amber Dirks!

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hi, Amber! Thank you once again for the opportunity to interview you. It's always such a pleasure, and your international fans eternally love hearing from you.

Amber Dirks:  I truly appreciate even being asked the opportunity of being interviewed and I love, love, love my fans!

DBB: You are back on the Billboard dance charts with a very, very hot number, "Dominate My Love." I can't get enough of this song! Were you surprised by its popularity? Where has it charted on Billboard as we speak?

AD: I am beyond excited!! Currently “Dominate My Love” is at #26. WOOHOOO!! This is actually the 2^nd song that has made the Billboard charts. The first one was titled “My Life” with Chris Panaghi (but my name was not listed) and landed in the top 20 dance charts. I truly appreciate everyone's support with this project!!
 

DBB: Well, you're going to be credited from now on, believe me! Your vocals are just amazing (as always)! What a powerhouse of a voice and, I think, the type that avid clubgoers desperately want to hear. What did you think when "Dominate" was first presented to you? And how did you connect with producers Bouvier & Barona in the first place?

AD: Actually I have to thank Bill Friar, of Bill Friar Entertainment, as he heard the track and recommended to producers Bouvier & Barona in giving me an opportunity to express my voice on the track. It was agreed to let me record and so Bill Friar recorded my vocals. It was later shared with me that I was not originally considered as the vocal for this song but I am very happy that everyone involved was happy and that its being received very well.
 

DBB: I know that, in your private life, you're a devoted wife and mother. Despite the obvious inferences of your new hit's title that made it a Black Party smash this season, what would you say "Dominate My Love" is about and how did you approach it?

AD: “Dominate My Love” is about someone that has control of his or her life, mind, body and soul and that nobody can take control of ones aspect of their life. I approached this track with confidence and being in control!

DBB: Your parents moved to Arizona from Holland with you when you were very young. You still reside there and recently spoke very eloquently with me regarding Arizona's proposed discriminatory, anti-gay proposal, which failed to be signed into law shortly after that interview.  http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/02/go-west-arisona-issue-part-two.html We've since seen other states propose and even pass discriminatory laws based on "religious freedom." When you see things like this in the news, what does it make you think about what's going on in the USA today?

AD: It saddens me that people in power feel the need to “Dominate” ones life’s views and that, with that power, they abuse it by creating laws to tell someone who they are allowed to “Love” and then to hide behind religion is ludicrous. How can we be the “Land of the Free” when you have certain powers dictating what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable? Again, ludicrous. 

DBB: I always think clubs and the dancefloor are a great uniter, a kind of rainbow coalition where everyone can get together regardless of color, gender, affectionate orientation, nationality, religion or anything else. And when we hear our divas, we are lifted together in the music and the vocals and are united. What is your view on the underlying diplomacy of club life and dance music?

AD: Dance music to me is a freedom of expression and while the dance genre talks about life situations, its subject matters are those that everyone can relate to regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion and I love the way you stated this: “affectionate orientation." 

DBB: You were Miss Black Arizona 1994. What is there about that experience that you have brought to your singing career?

AD: I was Miss Black Arizona 1994 and then I went on to represent Arizona in the Miss Black USA pageant. It was a very different experience for me as I never once thought of myself as pageant material.It was nice to see young, intelligent, beautiful women of color come to together and represent what they believed in and show how real camaraderie really works. It showed me how important listening skills are, poise and how to always be classy and ready to take on challenge and hard work and to always stay true to self. These types of pageants require dedication and hard work and it's not all about the glitz and glam. Although it was a great positive experience, it further helped me realize how much I love singing and performing and that I was ready to take on the needed task to hopefully become respected as an Artist.

DBB: When you get to relax, what do you like to do?

AD: Relax? [Laughs.] Is there such a word? I am very involved with my children’s education and extracurricular activities such as football (I’m also a youth tackle football coach) and gymnastics.  I enjoy cooking, spending time with family and friends and a game of racquetball. 

DBB: "Dominate My Love" is definitely red hot and one of this year's club hits. Any last shout-outs to your fans about the song, and just generally?

AD: I want to thank everyone who is and has been supporting me throughout the years in my musical career. It’s a privilege having the opportunity to share what I love to so many people in the world and one that I never take for granted. I will continue to do my best to give the listeners my heart in every note that I sing!

DBB: Amber, thank you so much for this Q&A. We will certainly all be listening to the incredible "Dominate My Love" dominating the dance charts. Best wishes to you, your family, and lots and lots of love!

AD: Thank You so much for this incredible opportunity and what you continue to do for Indie Artist! Much Peace, Light and Love to You and your family and to all that inspire me to continue on with my musical journey!!