After having revealed the Madonna/Martin Solveig collaboration, Madonnarama just got some new exclusive info on Madonna’s current recording sessions for the upcoming album.

Like we confirmed a few weeks ago, William Orbit is one of the producers of the album. Joining the William Orbit-team is songwriter and record producer Jean Baptiste Kouame who co-produces WØ tracks. Jean-Baptiste worked with plenty of big names including Kelis, Kid Cudi, Rihanna and Macy Gray.

During the “Ray of Light” and “Music” sessions, the wait between different recordings did take quite a while, because Madonna recorded all the demos before they could be reworked.
To be more efficient this time and avoid long waiting times between takes, William Orbit is using Charlene Ava as a demo vocalist. This way the creative process isn’t interrupted and multiple demos with Ava’s vocals are sent to Madonna, so she can make a selection without having to sing every single demo herself.
The background vocals might also include Charlene Ava’s voice, alongside Nicki Richards, Donna DeLory and Orbit, but nothing has been decided yet.

Photographer Kevin Westenberg, who has shot plenty of celebrities and even Madonna backstage at Live8, has recently been working with William Orbit. He did take some studio pictures of the recording sessions that might be used in the future.

Finally there seems to be a lot of confusion about the W.E. soundtrack, and we would like to remind you that William Orbit’s music is not used at all in Madonna’s second directorial effort. The whole soundtrack has been composed by the amazing Abel Korzeniowski.

Stay tuned for more infos about Madonna’s new album…
While many websites and forums might reproduce this news, remember you read it first at Madonnarama.com!

"According to the latest rumour, Madonna's new album is titled 'Around the World' and will be released in January 2012.

Rumour has it that the lead single, alledgedly called "All Around the World", will be sent to radios in October, with the video premiere scheduled to coincide with the Smirnoff party on 12 November.

Other rumoured songs are "Way Back Home" (a ballad), "Free" (uptempo dance) and "Natural Perfection" (a song in the style of "Nobody's Perfect").

and:

"The user who originally posted the above info in the Tribe forum has now added another song title, "Modern Confusion" - apparently, it's a song reminiscent of "Bedtime Story".

He has also said that the release is now tentatively scheduled for late January/early February (which would be only a few weeks before M starts rehearsing for the tour).

Finally, he indicates that the lead single off the new album will be used in TV ads for iPhone 5 , which is heavily rumoured to be released in the first half of October."

[Edited 9/2/11 0:37am]

SoulAlive said:

so let's sort out the first batch of rumored song titles

All Around The World

Modern Confusion

let's see how many of these titles turn out to be the real thing

I used to like Madonna's music. I would even consider myself a fan back in the day. Not sure what happended or when, but...

Adisa said:

I used to like Madonna's music. I would even consider myself a fan back in the day. Not sure what happended or when, but...

she started to take herself too seriously after ROL, the children, the marriage, the revived interest in a film career, etc.

Adisa said:

I used to like Madonna's music. I would even consider myself a fan back in the day. Not sure what happended or when, but...

My opnion is her music kinda changed after Vogue,

and I found it less appealing.

Though I loved Ray of Light, and selected tracks from Music...

I think its her seeking out european/french Producers.

Ever listen to French pop music?

It's horrendous

Using someone else as a "demo vocalist"? it seems that she's getting less and less involved in making of her music..that doesn't sound good.

HermesReborn said:

Adisa said:

I used to like Madonna's music. I would even consider myself a fan back in the day. Not sure what happended or when, but...

My opnion is her music kinda changed after Vogue,

and I found it less appealing.

Though I loved Ray of Light, and selected tracks from Music...

I think its her seeking out european/french Producers.

Ever listen to French pop music?

It's horrendous

That sounds about right now that you mention it. I think it was around Vogue that she and I both went in differnent directions musically. Still love her older stuff, though.

to be honest...based on the rumors we have heard so far,I'm not too excited about this project I was actually more excited when she was working with Timbaland and Pharrell because it meant a whole new direction and sound for her.Yes,it was a commercial sound but at least it was something different than the Eurodisco/trance stuff that she was doing before.I could be wrong,but it seems like she's going back to a ROL/Confessions-type sound for this new album.I'll wait and see....

I still consider myself a major Madonna fan and always keep up on the latest on her, but I have to admit I haven't been able to fully stomach her since American Life came out. Something definitely changed about her and I cant quite put my finger on what. I kind of see her as a different person now. The coolness she used to reek of has gone and nothing comes off naturally anymore. I actually liked Hard Candy, which is the first album I've liked of hers since Music, but it just sounded so soulless. I'm not really excited for this new album but I'm always ready to be suprised and turned back into the hardcore fan I am for the first 20 years of her career.

[Edited 8/31/11 0:13am]

in other Madonna news.....

from madonna.com

2010 Gift - Here It Is!

While we were supposed to announce and ship the 2010 gift back in December, the actual gift development took longer than expected. Sorry to keep you all waiting, fellow friends, but we made good use of this extra time. We secured a gift for Madonna's loyal Iconers that no one else on earth will ever get... Today, we are proud to announce that, if you were an active Platinum member of Icon in 2010 or renewed your membership at some point last year, you will be receiving a limited edition 12" vinyl single of the previously unreleased Madonna track, "Broken"!!!

The song, written by Madonna and Paul Oakenfold during the "Celebration" recording sessions, has never seen the light of day as an official Madonna release, and only 2010 Icon members will be mailed their copy of this rare collector's item! Packaged in a special gatefold jacket cover, the 180g colored 12" vinyl single will include an exclusive artwork and inner sleeve. Good things come to those who wait, right? The exact shipping date will be announced later on; so, stay tuned to Madonna.com for announcements!

"Broken" by Madonna

I have faith she won't disappoint. She has made me nervous sometimes with reports like these, but I would find out it was over nothing in the end. She put out a lot of her best work in the 00's IMO though I agree the 80's was her best time, and the 90's was cool too. Music took a very long time to grow on me as a whole album back then, but I loved American Life instantly and think it's one of the most creative works of her career. Ray of Light, I liked right away but it took me long to appreciate the album as a whole and now I really do. The fact William Orbit is on it is a very good sign though I also wasn't happy to hear about the demo vocalist recording at all either. Why can't she make demos and sing them rough and then refine vocals later? This is stuff that can go into her vault and be released later on.

Shucks I'm rockin' the "Bedtime Stories" album in my car right now! I didn't really pay attention to her last album...the last one I bought was "Confessions" which was a marvelous piece of work IMO. So I hope this new album won't disappoint.

go2theMax said:

Using someone else as a "demo vocalist"? it seems that she's getting less and less involved in making of her music..that doesn't sound good.

She wants to get the album finished in two months time so she can concentrate on tour rehearsals.That's why William Orbit is using a demo singer.

SoulAlive said:

go2theMax said:

Using someone else as a "demo vocalist"? it seems that she's getting less and less involved in making of her music..that doesn't sound good.

She wants to get the album finished in two months time so she can concentrate on tour rehearsals.That's why William Orbit is using a demo singer.

Still not a valid excuse

all the creativity is fleshing out things during the demo stage.

Means she's leaving it completely in the producers hands.

HermesReborn said:

SoulAlive said:

She wants to get the album finished in two months time so she can concentrate on tour rehearsals.That's why William Orbit is using a demo singer.

Still not a valid excuse

all the creativity is fleshing out things during the demo stage.

Means she's leaving it completely in the producers hands.

true,but this wouldn't be the first time that she has recorded this way.

missfee said:

Shucks I'm rockin' the "Bedtime Stories" album in my car right now! I didn't really pay attention to her last album...the last one I bought was "Confessions" which was a marvelous piece of work IMO. So I hope this new album won't disappoint.

I think 'Confessions' was her best album of the past 10 years or so.

SoulAlive said:

HermesReborn said:

Still not a valid excuse

all the creativity is fleshing out things during the demo stage.

Means she's leaving it completely in the producers hands.

true,but this wouldn't be the first time that she has recorded this way.

That's most likely the problem.

no respect for the craft anymore

sad...

somewhat related....

World’s No. 1 Female Artist Joins the World’s No. 1 Vodka in Search for the Most Original Nightlife in the Universe

The Smirnoff Co. today launches the next Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project with the audacious goal of getting 10 million people to discover, share and swap the most original nightlife experiences in 50 countries. The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project is an ambitious attempt to discover the world’s most unique and interesting nightlife, culminating in one-of-a-kind experiences on the same night all over the world. This year, Madonna joins the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project to find the best dancer to join her next tour.

Revellers worldwide are invited to co-create and participate in the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project by contributing ideas on what makes their local nightlife distinct in the categories of drinks, dance, fashion, music, places, and more creating a nightlife cocktail of unique events. The most inspiring suggestions from each region will be captured online and then exchanged with another country in November. By participating online, fans will have the chance to win a place at one of the global events or experience another country’s party at a Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project event in their own city. Go to www.facebook.com/smirnoff or www.facebook.com/madonna to find out more.

One of the consistent aspects in nightlife culture around the world is the importance of dance. As well as submitting ideas on what makes their country’s nightlife special, fans can enter an exclusive dance competition online. Madonna will attend one of the selected Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project experiences where finalists will compete in front of her for the winning spot. The winner may get the opportunity to join Madonna on her next tour as one of her dancers.

“What attracted me to the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project is the combination of participating in the celebration of nightlife around the world and the opportunity to discover the world’s best unknown dancers,” said Madonna. “The best dancers are always in the clubs looking for the most original experience, just like Smirnoff is doing.”

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project strives to showcase, mix and unite the world through unique nightlife and as such the best dancers from around the world will be highlighted for their own style and flair. The submission process for the dance competition begins today and runs until October 10th. To enter, hopefuls must submit a 60-second dance video. For details on the dance submission process and terms and conditions, visit www.smirnoff.com or www.madonna.com.

Simon Burch, Global Brand Director for The Smirnoff Co., said, “Smirnoff mixes original nightlife from around the world and gives everyone the chance to be there through extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences. Who better to decide the best in the dance category than Madonna herself?”

As the world’s number one vodka, The Smirnoff Co. has been at the heart of nightlife culture for generations and now hosts the world’s biggest spirits community on Facebook with people participating in The Smirnoff Co. events, commenting and sharing information on nightlife around the world.

The 50 countries participating in the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project include: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, Uruguay, United States, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, including the exclusive dance competition, is the first component of a multi-faceted agreement between Madonna and her partner Live Nation and Diageo, the parent company of The Smirnoff Co. More details to be released in the coming months.
For updates on Madonna, please visit www.facebook.com/madonna.

^^she should have her first single released on October 10th,the same day they choose a winner for this contest.Great way to launch a new single!

go2theMax said:

Using someone else as a "demo vocalist"? it seems that she's getting less and less involved in making of her music..that doesn't sound good.

missfee said:

Shucks I'm rockin' the "Bedtime Stories" album in my car right now! I didn't really pay attention to her last album...the last one I bought was "Confessions" which was a marvelous piece of work IMO. So I hope this new album won't disappoint.

I can't even handle these rumors!

I like the sound of Natural Perefection. "Nobody's perfect" has always been one of my favorite Madonna tracks.

I never disliked a Madonna album until Hard Candy. So anything that's not Timbaland and Timberlake influenced R&B and hip hop has to be an improvement.

Different from what she has done before doesn't necessarily equal better. She shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking she has to do something completely new or unlike anything she has ever done before. She does the electronica thing so well on albums like Music, Ray of Light and Confessions so I don't see anything wrong with her going in that direction again. If she does electronic dance well and enjoys it, why not do that again? It would be silly to not do something that works for her because some people will say she did that before.

I don't know about these rumors because someone of the names sound familiar. They were rumored to be album titles or songs for HC and they turned out to be false then too!

Glindathegood said:

I never disliked a Madonna album until Hard Candy. So anything that's not Timbaland and Timberlake influenced R&B and hip hop has to be an improvement.

Different from what she has done before doesn't necessarily equal better. She shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking she has to do something completely new or unlike anything she has ever done before. She does the electronica thing so well on albums like Music, Ray of Light and Confessions so I don't see anything wrong with her going in that direction again. If she does electronic dance well and enjoys it, why not do that again? It would be silly to not do something that works for her because some people will say she did that before.

I don't know about these rumors because someone of the names sound familiar. They were rumored to be album titles or songs for HC and they turned out to be false then too!

I guess I'm over the electronica/Europop thing.She's done it too many times and nowadays,everyone else is doing it too.That's why I'm not too excited about this project,based on the rumors we have heard so far.I hope that the album has more to offer than just a bunch of Eurodisco dance tracks.And who knows,maybe she will still work with Pharrell after all

paisleypark4 said:

missfee said:

Shucks I'm rockin' the "Bedtime Stories" album in my car right now! I didn't really pay attention to her last album...the last one I bought was "Confessions" which was a marvelous piece of work IMO. So I hope this new album won't disappoint.

That album is aging gracefully...and shows that she really took control of the groove in that album..it still sounds good today.

I think the most magical thing about "Bedtime Stories" is that she really utilized her back ground singers voices in with her own. The melodies on that album are on point.

SoulAlive said:

missfee said:

Shucks I'm rockin' the "Bedtime Stories" album in my car right now! I didn't really pay attention to her last album...the last one I bought was "Confessions" which was a marvelous piece of work IMO. So I hope this new album won't disappoint.

I think 'Confessions' was her best album of the past 10 years or so.

Of the past 10 years...most definitely.

I thought the Bedtime Stories era was really cool back when it happened, and it launched some of the most creative songs and videos of her career, but as a whole album, I didn't enjoy Bedtime Stories. Apart from the singles, only a few other songs stand out, and it's very slow though I also understand she was going for a slow and sophisticated image that was working for her with songs like "Rain" and "I'll Remember." I know a lot of people who had it and it's a cult classic, but most of them were mainly into r&b/hip hop music and possibly disregarding her dance music and electronic music which is far more superior.

I'm also curious about what sound she'll do since dance music is everywhere now. She still got away with doing it during the Erotica period while there was dance music everywhere too, and worked with Timbaland at the time she did as well. A Ray of Light like album would be nice, surely, she would have a lot to sing about now and it's her first real album after her split.

SoulAlive said:

I guess I'm over the electronica/Europop thing.She's done it too many times and nowadays,everyone else is doing it too.That's why I'm not too excited about this project,based on the rumors we have heard so far.I hope that the album has more to offer than just a bunch of Eurodisco dance tracks.And who knows,maybe she will still work with Pharrell after all

Electronica is such a wide catergory though. It's anything with programmed computerized beats. It doesn't have to be the cheesy Eurodisco type of stuff. I wouldn't call either Music or Ray of Light Eurodisco. There's a lot of different styles in electronica that she could explore just like there are many different styles of rock. She's a trained dancer and loves dancing and clubs. I just think it's more natural for her to do some kind of dance influenced stuff then try to be a rocker or R&B singer.

She needs to come hard this time. Hard Candy was a complete and utter disaster musically - the first time it sounded as if she just phoned up the producers of the moment and asked them to work on her album. You listen to Ray of Light and Hard Candy back to back and it's apparent just how drastically the quality of her output declined. Other girls like Robyn, Roisin Murphy and Sia are putting her to shame so she has no excuse.