Come Party with Nick Bramlett!

Nick Bramlett "I Wanna Party" Promo 

The golden boy with the golden voice! Come party with Nick Bramlett as he handles the lead vocals on our forthcoming new single, "I Wanna Party". I Wanna Party is slated for release in September and was remixed by the musically gifted Tyler Nelson Remixes.

#iwannaparty #nickbramlett #candyappleblue #tylernelson

The First Reviews of Our Forthcoming Single “Special Star” Are In!

Nick Bramlett "Special Star"©2023

The first reviews of our forthcoming single "Special Star" are in and they are glorious! Have a glimpse at these ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star reviews!

"Honestly, it is incredible. The vocals are stunning! Some extra chords/vocals to enjoy too! It's fab!" - David Smalley

"Record of the Week! This is such a STELLA tribute and JOYOUS rendition of the wonderful 'Special Star'. You have all done such an INCREDIBLE job. Pete Burns would be proud!" - Bazz's Energy Express

"I can first hear a bit of Son of a Gun and Stop Kicking My Heart Around. I’m sure I’ll hear more after a couple of listens! But, above all, THESE VOCALS!!!! I dare not say this out loud but I think Nick may have surpassed Pete!" - Frédéric B.

"Matt Pop achieved the impossible here. It's every bit as good, if not better than the original." - James Sheppard

Nick Bramlett ©2023 B&W Special Star

"Picture This" Special Star Music Video 🎥 Concept

 

"Picture This" Special Star Music Video 🎥 concept: 

I can totally see the music video in my mind's eye of us on a pirate ship ⚓ out on the open stormy sea. 🏴‍☠️ Our AI-generated cyberpunk cartoon versions of ourselves are all being attacked and we are warding off those attackers with our magical powers. Of course, a star ⭐ will fall from the sky and land on the pirate ship. That star will then transform into Pete Burns! He will help us save the day and guide us to safety! If you use your imagination, it could be a grand music video and would probably cost $30,000 to produce. 🙃 ~ Carly

Spotify Pre-Save: Special Star (Matt Pop Mix)

Be "the first in line" to hear our Pete Burns tribute!

Special Star ⭐ Spotify Pre-Save: https://show.co/wwFH5Vk

Detonator - Sped Up (2 Avant-Garde Single Releases)

Candy Apple Blue - Detonator - Sped Up
Remix by The Runaway Wild

We have released two avant-garde experimental singles today. They could fairly be described as audio art rather than our traditional pop releases. 

The first up is a remix of Detonator done by The Runaway Wild. He produced this "Sped Up" remix of Detonator for us back in 2015. Although the synth work was euphoric and wonderful, at the time we thought that it sounded comical because of the pitched-up vocals so we didn't release it. To us, it sounded like a 45 single that was being played at the wrong speed (say 78 rpm). This release falls into a microgenre of music that's had a following since the mid-1990s called nightcore. As it turns out sped-up versions are really a big deal right now on TikTok. It's said that people with ADHD find these versions brighter, buzzier, and more stimulating. They say that this sound can even help to release endorphins in the brain. So The Runaway Wild was way ahead of his time. We thought that now would be the perfect time to put this remix out into the universe. Maybe you have noticed other artists releasing SPED UP versions of their music as well?

WARNING: The frantic rush of this mix can be truly addicting. https://candyappleblue.bandcamp.com/track/detonator-sped-up

The second single is called When You Decide to Vaporwave 當你決定蒸汽波. Vaporwave is another micro-genre that had a significant impact on music and culture about a decade ago. It is still being enjoyed by some today in the underground dead mall electronic music scene. We had a fun time creating this and until now it was only available on YouTube and Bandcamp. We decided it was time to make it available on all streaming platforms. Back in 2018, we created a music video for the track which can be enjoyed here: https://youtu.be/hRRRP3n1E0o

So in conclusion, we have one song that's sped up and another one that's slowed down. To some, this might sound odd. But we love experimenting with art, music, and sound. Ironically both songs time in at 3 minutes and 28 seconds. Oh, the irony of it all. 

 Powers Activate, 🍬🍎🟦

#spedup  #nightcore  #vaporwave  #microgenre  #deadmall

Candy Apple Blue - When You Decide to Vaporwave

Special Star 4-Track Remix EP + Official Cover Art

 

Candy Apple Blue - Special Star (Matt Pop Mix)
ft. Nick Bramlett [Official Cover Art]

Press Release: Special Star 4-Track Remix EP + Official Cover Art

The queens are going to have to call an emergency meeting! Special Star is our tribute to celebrate the life and music of our beloved Pete Burns of Dead or Alive. Our Special Star ⭐ Remix EP lands on May 5th, 2023 and it's packed with Pete Burns punch! This musical endeavor was done with the utmost care and respect for the original song. We teamed up with Nick Bramlett and Matt Pop to put out a cover version that would exceed people's expectations. We knew that we were walking on sacred ground here. We aimed high and we reached for the stars! We all poured our musical hearts into it for Pete's sake. It's now time for you to be the judge.

Track 01: Special Star (Matt Pop Mix) 03:38

Matt Pop really knocks this one out of the ballpark! His radio edit is Hi-NRG and it's loaded with pure synth-pop goodness. It's unapologetically synth-bass driven and slightly techno aggressive in a Donna Summer "I Feel Love" kind of way. This perfectly balances out with Nick's heartfelt vocal delivery. Nick doesn't dare to emulate Pete Burns but rather puts his own spin on it. He approached the vocals more tenderly than the original. Matt sprinkles in a "Brand New Lover" flair with some smooth-as-silk synth bells and chimes. The falling star sound at the end of the song really pulled on our heartstrings. It's Matt's loving nod to Steve and Pete in the sky. If you like dark disco and dance-pop this one really razzles and dazzles! We are so proud of how bright our very first cover song shines.

Track 02: Special Star (Matt Pop Murder Mix) 06:28

The Matt Pop Murder Mix is totally killing it! It's 6 minutes and 28 seconds of classic pure Hi-NRG extended listening pleasure. There are plenty of Easter eggs 🥚 hidden here for devoted Dead or Alive fans to find. It's 100% total ear candy for Gen X'ers who are craving a new retro-inspired dancefloor favorite! And "Son of a Gun" we still can't decide which mix is our favorite; the edit or the extended mix. To our ears, both are genuine works of audio art. Someone who heard this mix in our inner circle said it "sounds like Stock, Aitken, and Waterman reunited to make this record". Is there a greater compliment?

Track 03. Special Star (Matt Pop Murder Instrumental) 06:28

For a lot of fans having an instrumental track to sing along to is quintessential and we get that. This mix is for you! So grab that hairbrush, put on an eyepatch, and get in that mirror! It's time for you to belt out your best Pete Burns!

Track 04: Special Star (A Cappella Mix) 04:16

This a cappella mix focuses on Nick's tender vocal delivery of the song without musical accompaniment. We added some Beach Boys and Four Seasons-inspired ad-libs at the end of the song to flavor it up a bit. These extra earworms and hooks help to keep the song sounding fresh. Carly can be heard singing background vocals in the chorus. It's nice to hear the song in a different way.

So there you have it! Or will you have it? Either way, we can't wait to hear what you think! Pete Burns is a celebrated LGBTQ+ icon and he was a hero to a lot of gay youth in the 1980s. Pete really was our "Special Star". We hope you will listen to our tribute with an open heart and mind. ~ 🍬🍎🟦

Special Star is a deep cut taken from Dead or Alive's third studio album Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know. Special Star was written by Michael David Percy, Timothy John Lever, Peter Jozzepi Burns, and Stephen Coy.

℗2023 Mrix Muzik Records ©1986 Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. and Westbury Music Ltd. 

Channeling My Inner Pete Burns 🌹

Hoyt Emerick "Channeling My Inner Pete Burns!" 🌹

Channeling my inner Pete Burns. Our cover of Dead or Alive's Special Star ⭐ is going to be really glorious! We are working hard on designing the cover art now. Like Vincent Van Gogh once said, "What is done with love is well done." - Hoyt

Special Star ⭐ Dead or Alive Cover (News Update)

 ⭐ Candy Apple Blue are covering Dead or Alive's Special Star ⭐

Nick Bramlett (©2023 Special Star Photo Session)

We have officially recorded our very first cover song!

We have finished recording our Dead or Alive tribute song Special Star and moved the music production along to our producer, Matt Pop. To answer those of you who asked, if I had to guesstimate, I would say it could possibly be ready for release in late May of 2023. Special Star is a deep cut from Dead or Alive's third studio album, Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know. This track has always been a very special song to us and is also a fan favorite of many other Dead or Alive fans too. The idea to cover this track was fueled by our friend, David Smalley, to who we owe our gratitude. 

In the meantime, we are working hard on two new dance floor bangers with Nick Bramlett on lead vocals. Both "I Wanna Party" and "Moving Out of Town" are also in the pipeline! So keep your ear to the ground for more 🍬🍎🟦 music news.

💋 - Carly

Hoyt Emerick: "Channeling My Inner Pete Burns!" 🌹

Feeling fresh-faced and getting ready for my photo session for the cover art of our forthcoming single "Special Star". Special Star is our very first cover song. The track was originally recorded by Dead or Alive and is a deep cut taken from the band's third studio album Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know.  All three of us (Nick, Carly, and I) are doing Pete Burns-inspired looks for the cover art. 

We are working hard on designing the cover art now. Like Vincent Van Gogh once said, "What is done with love is well done." - Hoyt

Carly Emerick: "My Pete Burns-Inspired Look Focuses on
the 1990s Nukleopatra Era of His Career."

The word is out! Nick, Hoyt, and I are all doing Pete Burns-inspired looks for the cover art of our forthcoming single, Special Star ⭐.

 

My Pete Burns-inspired look is focused on the 1990s Nukleopatra era of his career. This look is so very special to me because it was during this time that I had the chance to meet and hang out with Pete. 

For two nights in a row, while he was in town to play at The Roxy in NYC, I got to go clubbing with Pete, have a late-night dinner, and enjoy breakfast with him at the Yaffa Cafe. 

The last night we hung out together he scribbled down his address and told me to keep in touch before jumping into a yellow taxi cab. It was a magical yet surreal experience for me as a young adult to meet my childhood idol. 

We made a genuine connection and I will always treasure that memory. 🦋🌹⭐ - Carly

Hoyt Emerick: "This is my Brand New Lover-inspired look."

We are excited to be covering Dead or Alive's Special Star! We fully understand that we are walking on sacred ground here. Many Dead or Alive fans have expressed to us just how much this song means to them.

The track is from the Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know album which contained the international hit single "Brand New Lover". This is my Brand New Lover-inspired look! 

Let's call this pic Brand New Hoyt-er, shall we? ~ Hoyt

Nick Bramlett (©2023 Special Star Photo Session)

I think this is my favorite picture of Nick from the Special Star ⭐ photo session. ~ Carly

Nick Bramlett Serving a Tim Lever-Inspired Look

Here Nick is serving a Tim Lever DOA look. Nick poured his heart into his vocal performance of Special Star ⭐.  

We did create some extra background vocals and ad-libs that were not in the original version. We did it tastefully and respectfully. We want you to hear the song in a bit of a different way. We gave it that Candy Apple Blue sugared coating! 🍬🍎🟦 ~ Carly

Special Star Carly (AI-generated)

Special Star Nick (AI-generated)

Special Star Hoyt (AI-generated)

AI-generated images of us based off of our recent Special Star ⭐ photo session! Pretty freaking cool, right?

Neil Lecy Drawing of Carly Emerick

©2023 Drawing by Neil Lecy
Carly Emerick of Candy Apple Blue 

Did you ever have one of those days where nothing you did seemed right? I had one of those really hard days today. So at the end of the evening, I was scrolling down through some photos on Instagram. I immediately recognized the person in this photo. I had to do a double-take. It's me, I thought. When I read the inscription, it was confirmed. It put a huge smile on my face. Thank you so very much, Neil Lecy, my artist friend, for making my day a lot brighter! 🎨 Your art turned my frown upside down! ~ Carly 

A Big Influence on Me

Carly Emerick of Candy Apple Blue

"I've always idolized flamboyant over-the-top figures that pushed the boundaries of the norm while growing up in the 1980s. People like Pete Burns of Dead or Alive, Boy George of Culture Club, and Tim Curry of The Rocky Horror Picture Show had a big influence on me." 

~ Carly of Candy Apple Blue 🍬🍎🟦

A Touch Too Much (Official Music Video)

 

Candy Apple Blue - A Touch Too Much (Matt Pop Mix) 

ft. Nick Bramlett (Official Music Video)

The official music video for A Touch Too Much (Matt Pop Mix) by Candy Apple Blue featuring Nick Bramlett. This shimmering dance-pop anthem was produced, arranged, mixed, and mastered by Dutch music producer Matt Pop. The song features a confident and passionate vocal performance from vocalist Nick Bramlett. Taken from the forthcoming Candy Apple Blue album, Breakthrough. © & ℗ 2023 Mrix Muzik Records ©2023 A Fading Brunette™ Film.

▶ Stream or download "A Touch Too Much (Matt Pop Mix)" here: https://song.link/i/1662771924

▶ Bandcamp: https://candyappleblue.bandcamp.com/album/a-touch-too-much-matt-pop-mix

"A Touch Too Much is a song about star-crossed lovers. It's about making a strong physical connection with someone that you don't really have room for in your life." ~ Carly Emerick

Written and recorded by Candy Apple Blue

https://allmylinks.com/CandyAppleBlue

Produced, arranged, mixed, and mastered by Matt Pop:

https://allmylinks.com/mattpopofficial

Lead vocals by Nick Bramlett:

https://www.facebook.com/TheNickBramlett

The music video was produced and edited by Carly Emerick. 

A Fading Brunette™ Film, LLC.

Music video theme: A Valentine's Day themed artistic short focusing on the band's performance of the song.

Video points of interest: 1980s Trans Am Jacket, Yamaha SHS-10 Red FM Digital Shoulder Keytar, Valintine's Day Heart Shaped Box of Chocolates, Vintage Realistic HighBall-2 Dynamic Microphone 33-985, Purple Velour Jacket, Aviator Sunglasses

Additional background B-roll animation footage provided by Videezy: http://www.videezy.com/

Lyrics 

"A Touch Too Much"

©2023 All Rights Reserved.

Words & Music by Carly Emerick and Hoyt Emerick

Intro:

You're a touch too much

Verse 1:

I had everything all perfectly aligned

The forces of the universe, the spirit, and the mind

Now you came along and changed up everything, 

A statue on a pedestal, A choir starts to sing (la, la, la, la)

Lead In:

We've got intentions that could change our destinies

One wrong move could bring us to our knees

Chorus:

You're a touch too much! I completely lose my self-defenses

A touch too much. It's an overload of all my senses

A touch too much and I feel like we better play it smart

This love affair's a delicate fine art

Verse 2:

The trip to bountiful lives only in your mind

Ethereal illusions are inherently divine

How are we to know what is really real?

Putting all our money down upon the roulette wheel

Lead In 2:

Now we've got intentions that could change our destinies

You move in closer when I want to retreat 

Chorus: 

You're a touch too much! I completely lose my self-defenses

A touch too much. It's an overload of all my senses

A touch too much and I feel like we better play it smart

Can we control desires of the heart?

Bridge:

Now we want to touch 

This physical attraction has overcome the both of us

and it's a touch too much. Wow-ooh-wow-ooh

A touch too much. Wow-ooh-wow-ooh

It's a touch too much. Wow-ooh-wow-ooh

Ending:

A touch too much

This love affair's a delicate fine art!

The lyrics here are protected by copyright © under the law (title 17, US Code) and are exclusively owned by ASCAP & Harry Fox affiliates MRIX MUZIK Publishing.

#candyappleblue #mattpop #dancepop #official #musicvideo #remix #banger

Music Videos and Indie Artists

Carly Emerick of Candy Apple Blue

 
I am currently working very hard on editing the music video for A Touch Too Much. Our band, Candy Apple Blue, wants to give you our all!

We know that a lot of indie artists, in our musical peer group, don't take the time to shoot a music video. While it's true that filming and editing music videos can be a lot of hard work; I always personally felt that was a missed opportunity. Music videos give us a chance to connect with you on a completely different level. 

Hoyt and I grew up in the golden age of MTV. The artists that we got most excited about as kids always had music videos. 

What are your thoughts on this subject? 

#indieartists #musicvideos

~ Carly 

Carly Emerick (2023)

Working With Nick Bramlett

Carly Emerick (left) Nick Bramlett (middle) Hoyt Emerick (right)
"When the three of us get together, there's musical magic in the air!"

Working with vocalist Nick Bramlett is always such a pleasure. He's a powerhouse of a performer who always sings with so much passion. He takes his craft very seriously. There are so many things we love about his vocal styling; including the subtle nuances he pours into his performances that add up in a big way.

For those of you who did not know, Nick is a Virgo and like all Virgo's he is a bit of a perfectionist. Sidenote: Both Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury were Virgos as well. 

We know we can always count on Nick to take our songs to the next level and breathe life into them.

"Power bangs are the best revenge!"
- Carly Emerick (keyboardist, songwriter)

Hoyt Emerick (songwriter)

Nick Bramlett (vocalist)

Breakthrough! (Album Update)

Many people have asked us when our forthcoming album, Breakthrough, will be ready? 

We wanted to report to you that we are halfway through the recording process. Like our prior albums (e.g. Second Sight, Powers Activate) we will continue the tradition of releasing our songs first as singles until we have enough material to comprise a full album. 

So far, the six songs that will be included on our fifth studio album, Breakthrough, are as follows:

Baby Blue (ft. Nick Bramlett) 
Dismissed (ft. Christina Siravo)
Graphic Equalizer
A Touch Too Much (ft. Nick Bramlett)
All the Will in the World (ft. Christina Siravo)
I Live 4 U (ft. Nick Bramlett)

For Hoyt and I, it's always been about the musical journey that we are on. We expect to hit the finish line by early 2024. For those of you that prefer to own a physical product, we will be pressing the album to the compact disc format. As an indie DIY band, we always go with the natural flow of the musical universe. 

So in conclusion, we are getting closer with every new single release. 

Sincerely, Carly

Carly Emerick is pictured here with vocalist Nick Bramlett.

A Touch Too Much (Official Artwork)

Candy Apple Blue - A Touch Too Much (Matt Pop Mix)
featuring Nick Bramlett 

We are totally stoked to announce to you that we have a brand new single coming out on Feb. 10th (just 4 days before Valentine's Day) called A Touch Too Much. A Touch Too Much is about having a strong physical attraction towards somebody that you don't really have room for in your life. 

The song features a confident and passionate vocal performance from the amazing Nick Bramlett. And the real cherry 🍒 on top for all three of us is that Dutch music producer Matt Pop remixed the track to pop perfection! This stellar dance floor anthem is sure to make you guys bop! Its cleverly written lyrics, strong melody, powerful vocals, and shimmering production will surely put a big smile on your face. 

We shot some music video footage last night and now we are hard at work in the video editing process. In the meantime, we wanted to share with you the official artwork for this 2-track digital single. A Touch Too Much is taken from our forthcoming coming album, Breakthrough! So mark your calendars for Feb. 10th! 

Official "A Touch Too Much" T-Shirts available
here: A Touch Too Much