Kelly Rowland finally on her own
By Elle Halliwell
From:The Sunday Telegraph February 27, 2010 6:57PM

SHE was a Survivor and an Independent Woman as part of Destiny’s Child, but only now can Kelly Rowland can really lay claim to solo success.

“I have new management, a new label and, you know, everything is really ‘for me’, and I love that,” Rowland says.

It’s been an intense five years for Rowland, 29, who has pursued a solo career since parting ways with former band mates Beyonce and Michelle Williams in 2005.

Just days before her arrival in Sydney for the Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras party this Saturday, Rowland spoke to Insider on her life post-Destiny’s Child.

“When you think about the history of girl groups – I won’t say all, but some – which are the stories we always hear about? Some aren’t the best-ending situations,” she says.

“But with Destiny’s Child, we did a great job of supporting each other and being there and still remaining close, so that’s what I’m most proud of us for.”

Rowland, who in the group played second fiddle to Beyonce, is now breaking free of her R&B roots and delving into the dance genre. And the move has already paid off.

The hit dance single she co-produced with French DJ David Guetta, When Love Takes Over, topped the music charts in the UK and throughout Europe and scored the duo Grammy awards last month.

“David and I will be in Australia together so I’m hoping we’re going to get a chance to get in the studio and make some more magic while were there,” she says. (Read more… )

In the last few months we have been hearing more and more information about the upcoming 3rd studio album from Kelly Rowland. Today hit master Rico Love (executive producer of the album)  gave us a preview of an instrumental that may be apart of the finished product.  Rico Tweeted:

Rico Love is responsible for many hit songs such as Beyonce’s “SweetDream”s,  Pleasure P’s “Boyfriend #2″ and more recently Usher’s “Daddy’s Home”. With that being said Rico and Kelly are an amazing combination and we cannot wait to hear the upcoming material.

LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW HERE !

The instrumental has a very deep vibe to it with a mixture of the dance and urban genre.

In the past week there have been rumors of Kelly being in the studio with Chris Brown, Swizz Beats, David Guetta, Will.I.Am and other singer songwriters.

February 23rd, 2010

What’s up everyone??????????

So, here’s how my days have been going; wake-up, workout, studio and sleep!!!!!!! It’s been great!!! I’m feeling like it’s almost done, but i’ve been EXTREMELY CRITICAL OF THIS RECORD!!!!! I am LOVING IT THOUGH!!!!! I’m SO excited planning the launch of “I Heart My Girlfriends” and that keeps me even busier!!!! And funny enough squeezing in my guilty pleasures, “Let’s Talk About Pep”, and “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”.

Well, I’m off to the studio now……….I’ll take pics for you guys!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxxo

LOVE YOU TO PIECES!!

www.kellyrowland.com

PMP recently did an interview with Omar Grant (Kellys A&R) .  He gives some interesting information about Kelly and whats to come! Omar says Kelly is now signed with Univeral Motown Records; which is one of the leading   record labels in the industry.

Universal Records Website

Introduce yourself to the PMP Community

What’s good PMP this is Omar Grant A&R for Kelly Rowland

Walk us through your ‘industry’ journey

My first official job in the music industry coming fresh out of college was being a road manager for Beyonce on her Seriously In Love Tour. Then for the next 3 years I was a road manager for Destiny’s Child as a whole. I realized that I was more in love with the production side more than being on the road traveling because once your own the road you’re working an album that’s done already but I like the creative part as far as putting the album together and being there from the beginning. So when the girls (Destiny’s Child) were in the studio I would always be around trying to soak up as much information as I can. Then I got a position over at EMI Publishing as Director of A&R thanks to Big Jon. After leaving EMI I’m here currently working on Kelly Rowland’s latest project.

What label is Kelly signed to and break down your specific duties as her A&R?

Kelly recently signed to Universal Motown but I’m the point person as far as setting up studio time, finding talented songwriters and producers for her to work with and everything else involved with putting together a solid album.

How is the project coming together?

The project is near completion, probably a couple of more songs left to fill out the album but we really have a clear picture and clear understanding and its coming out really incredible. All the people that have been close to the project and close friends have been really giving us a lot of love on it and that’s honest opinions from people we respect. I think people are going to be surprised with the project, its something different, she’s really showing off her vocal ability and overall its just great music.

In your opinion is Universal Motown putting the proper muscle behind the project?

Definitely, that was one of the main reasons why she wanted to do the deal with them because of their enthusiasm for the project and they get the vision which is important. They’re really excited over there so she feels real good about the situation

What kind of music should we expect from this project? Will it reflect the current dance/pop sound that is dominating the mainstream?

Well people have to realize when you think about someone like David Guetta who has worked with everyone from Black Eyed Peas to Akon to Rihanna and others Kelly was the one who really broke him in the States with the ‘When Love Takes Over’ record. So she’s apart of ushering that sound that’s out there but at the same time she’s going to stay true to her urban and R&B roots and give those that love her for that something as well.

To me it’s going to be a fusion of different sounds that’s going to take her to the next level. You will hear some dance tracks but you’re going to hear some dance with an R&B feel to it as well to round it out. It’s a good mix of dance, Hip Hop and R&B. I’m a stickler for real creative songs that tell a story or put you in a zone to feel real good.

Compare the difference between working for a company like EMI and working for yourself as a independent A&R

The only real difference is you don’t have to clock into an office situation but as an A&R whether you’re working for a company or not you’re not working the usual 9 to 5 hours anyway. To be successful you really have to hustle and put in long nights and early mornings and just get it in. You have to be out there in the studios and at the different events so you’re not in the office much anyhow.

In your opinion what does it take to become a great A&R?

If you love this music and you’re a fan of music then that should come before anything else. You do have some A&R’s that have their own political agendas or may be in the business for things other than music but for me I love putting music together and the whole grind that comes with it. If you put your love for the music in front of any political agendas then everything else will be fine

For all the producers and songwriters reading this what advice would you give them?

(Read more… )

Jamfest
Visa Entertainment Pre-sale
Starts Tuesday 23 February, 9am
Ends Wednesday 24 February, noon*

2010′s first urban pop music tour will be here in April. The first artists to be announced for the inaugural JAMFEST tour features some of the world’s most popular artists today – AKON, KELLY ROWLAND, KERI HILSON and support from DJ Nino Brown and Chris Sorbello. JAMFEST promises over 5 hours of non-stop hits and live music.

Stay tuned… if you think this line up is BIG, wait for the next artist announcement in two weeks. With such a great line-up, there truly is something for every fan of urban pop music.

PLUS recieve a FREE Chris Sorbello Music Download with every transaction! So Lonely is the debut single from Sydney triple-threat, Chris Sorbello. A thrilling slice of electro pop, So Lonely showcases Chris Sorbello’s amazing lyrical talent, with a hypnotic vocal and a hook that will haunt you.

Tour Dates***:
Tuesday 13 April – Wayville Showgrounds, Adelaide
Wednesday 14 April – Melbourne Showgrounds
Thursday 15 April – Acer Arena, Sydney
Saturday 17 April – RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

During this Internet Pre-sale, a Premium Access fee of $20** per ticket has been applied to ensure the allocation of seating prior to general public on sale.

Book tickets to Jamfest during the Visa Entertainment Pre-sale from Tuesday 23 February, 9am until Wednesday 24 February, noon*. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday 26 February at 9am.

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=JAMFVISA10&view=vent

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM?

• Simply Deep

• Ms.Kelly

Kelly Rowland will have her dancing shoes on during her upcoming Australian visit.

The former Destiny’s Child diva is remaining tight-lipped about whether rumours she will be performing at Sydney’s Mardi Gras are true.

But following the global success of When Love Takes Over, her Grammy Award-winning song with French DJ David Guetta, Rowland admits she’s got a case of dance fever.

Rowland said the song was inspired by seeing Guetta perform at a French nightclub.

“(It was) just the feeling I felt that night of being in the club and looking at everybody just loving music – those people looked like they wanted to explode when David was spinning,” Rowland told AAP from Miami.

“I was like, I want people to feel like that when they hear this song, like dancing and not caring what time it is or what you have on.

“You know what I mean? It’s just living in that moment. It’s so important.” (Read more… )

Haze Night club at Aria welcomes Kelly Rowland Thursday, February 18th. Kelly will be hosting “Industry Night”, yet its not clear if she will be performing as of now.

Two thirds of pop sensation Destiny’s Child could be found at the Ambassador Theatre on February 15. That’s when Kelly Rowland visited Chicago, where she reunited with another member of the girl group: Michelle Williams, who is starring as the hit show’s newest Roxie Hart. The pair were clearly thrilled to see each other, and Kelly made a point of sharing her excitement about the Tony-winning revival with the whole cast. Take a look!

For more photos! View Here (for now)

KELLY ROWLAND TO HEADLINE BIG GAY DAY
By Toby Longhurst

Big Gay Day organisers have confirmed that US superstar Kelly Rowland will be the headline act for this year’s Big Gay Day to be held on 7 March at the Wickham Hotel and surrounding streets.
The official announcement comes as little surprise after the Grammy Award winning, former member of Destiny’s Child posted her performance dates on her website giving away the secret performance she was set to give at Sydney’s Mardi Gras and her yet to be announced appearance at Big Gay Day.
Wickham Hotel general manager Maree Brown told QNews that she was extremely excited to have Rowland performing on the day and was excited to show off just how far Big Gay Day has come in the past 10 years.
“This event has come such a long way in a short time,” Brown said. The amount of work and people that have been involved in this event from it’s 1st year is astounding. I think there may be a few tears this year from some of the crew, both old & new. It get’s quite emotional when you stand back and take a look at the crowd – it’s such a diverse group of people, having fun together.”
Other performers who will appear at Big Gay Day include Australian Idol contestant Kate Cook, Dance vocalist Katie Underwood and Mr Timothy. Additionally, stand up comedian Cal Wilson has been announced as a special guest host.

Keep an eye out for the next issue of QNews
for the announcement of more great
entertainers at this year’s Big Gay Day,
or visit www.biggayday.com.au

Source

Kelly will be performing in Palm Springs, California on April 3rd for the 20th Anniversary of Girl Bar.

ADDING and REPLACING Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week – 20th Anniversary Rocks Your World with Blockbuster Talent of Global Proportions

Live performances from: Kelly Rowland – Kelis – Jennifer Coolidge – Orianthi – Erika Jayne – Kaylah Marin – Shontelle & more!

PALM SPRINGS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In release dated February 11, 2010, add to subhead after “Kaylah Marin”: Shontelle.

Add to fourth graph after “Number One Billboard Dance Artist Erika Jayne (“Stars”)”: and worldwide chart-topper Shontelle (“Licky-Under the Covers”).

The corrected release reads:

GIRL BAR DINAH SHORE WEEK – 20TH ANNIVERSARY ROCKS YOUR WORLD WITH BLOCKBUSTER TALENT OF GLOBAL PROPORTIONS

Live performances from: Kelly Rowland – Kelis – Jennifer Coolidge – Orianthi – Erika Jayne – Kaylah Marin – Shontelle & more! (Read more… )

Kelly and her BFF Brandy were celebrating their birthday yesterday in Miami (once again, Happy Birthday girls!). Check out pictures from the bday party!

VIDEO: KELLY THANKS THE FANS

I wanted to create something new and interactive for the fans on KRWEB, so ive decided to do periodical questions, surveys, and questionaires for the fans. You can respond to the questions in the comment section on the website. I think this could be fun for everyone to read the responses.

Our First Question:

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KELLY ROWLAND MEMORY?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KELLY!

 
 VIDEO PROJECT: FROM THE FANS 

We just wanted to wish Kelly a very special Birthday. She is truly an angel sent to us. Her personality, her style, her over all humility is what makes her a very special person to us all.

A special thanks to Andrea (Mayalabee) for creating, editing and producing  this idea for a wonderful project.

If you were not a part of this video please don’t feel left out. Leave Kelly a message on her twitter account! I’m sure tomorrow she will be reading them.

In efforts to promote Kelly to the best of our ability I will be copying Kelly’s official blogs to the website, but you can always read them on her official website where they are originally posted and viewed. www.kellyrowland.com

From Kelly: Valentine’s Day
February 10th, 2010

Hey everybody!!!!

I’m still in the MIA recording and loving this beautiful weather! I hope it’s pretty like this tomorrow (my birthday)! So, Valentines Day is coming up, anybody have any plans? Funny enough, I’m gonna be in the studio(hahaha) no hot dates! My most memorable Valentines Day was when I was surprised by a room full of roses and candles and balloons and a candle-light dinner. It was sweet——the guy—–not here!

What it all boils down to is, when you are dating someone Valentines Day should be EVERYDAY(in my opinion). It can be a thoughtful card, a rose, a love letter, a one on one lunch, a favorite candy or cookie(s), etc… Something that lets the other person know you pay attention and care about/love them!

Ok, I’m talking to much……Well guys I’m gonna go stick my feet in the water then go workout!

Smooches Kel
P.S. All I want is someone to take me to go see “Valentines Day”, the movie!!!

Sounds like Kelly is still hitting the studio heavily, which is good to ensure her upcoming material is an A+ effort.

As you may know Kelly’s Birthday is February 11th (this Thursday) as well as  best-friend R&B star Brandy.  Brandy, VH1, and friends including Kelly will be celebrating at Mansion nightclub in Miami, FL. Television film crew will be on the scene as they are filming for Brandy’s upcoming reality series that is set to air sometime in April.

View the official Flyer here.

For more information and to R.S.V.P for the event visit MansionMiami.com

**Kelly’s  appearance has been confirmed**

That GrapeJuice.com has exclusively learned that Kelly is in the studio working on her album with Ne-Yo. Rowland and Ne-Yo previously worked together on David Guetta  song “CHOOSE”, which is on his album ONE LOVE.

Global star Kelly Rowland is currently wrapping up the recording process of her hotly anticipated third studio album; and That Grape Juice can EXCLUSIVELY confirm that the 28 year old singer has recently enlisted hit-maker Ne-Yo for the project. The ‘Miss Independent’ singer/songwriter joins the likes of Brian Kennedy, Jermaine Dupri, Bangladesh, Baby Face, Toby Gad, David Guetta, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Bryan-Michael Cox, Eric Hudson, and The Stereotypes, all of whom Rowland has worked with on the album.

As previously reported, the Destiny’s Child alumni is preparing to formally announce her new record deal with Universal Motown, home to the likes of Lil’ Wayne and Young Money, Akon, and Nelly.

Kelly was spotted leaving LAX airport lastweek. She was headed to Miami.

There was also video footage of Kelly, Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minnillo, and Karina Smirnoff inside the airport. Click here to view.

Kelly has joined ger friends Serena and Venus Williams at the launch of new Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport. Check out some adorable pics of Miss Kelly! (Read more… )