InfoAnda - International music star Mika sets sights on U.S.

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Thousands at risk from dyke breach in China | 22 June 2010
Spain's cafe smokers take last few puffs | 23 October 2010
Thousands protest Portuguese austerity plan | 30 May 2010

Galaxy first team to reach ’11 MLS playoffs with blanking of Colorado | 11 September 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : International music star Mika sets sights on U.S.

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World International music star Mika sets sights on U.S. Reuters - Saturday, September 19 Send IM Story Print Singer Mika poses as he arrives at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California February 22, 2009. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok Slideshow: Hollywood By Richard Smirke LONDON - At first impression, the man no one knows as Michael Penniman seems uncharacteristically quiet. As he takes a well-earned break from rehearsing for a tour to promote one of the year's most eagerly anticipated music releases, he seems tired and anxious, a far cry from his usual ebullience. He knows it, and he apologizes politely for his demeanor before taking a drawn-out pause to refocus and return as the witty, charming, unashamedly upbeat force of nature the world knows and loves as Mika. "It's always a big stress figuring out how to do things live," he says, becoming more animated with every word. "It's really kind of terrifying. I wish I could just mime. I'd be so much happier." Pause. "I'm joking, of course." 'MOTION' DETECTOR "Witty," "charming" and "unashamedly upbeat" are also words that could be used to describe Mika's music -- a winning mix of radio-friendly piano ballads, sexual ambiguity and melodic pop. His debut album, "Life in Cartoon Motion" , sold 5.5 million copies worldwide, according to his handlers at London-based Machine Management. His U.K. base -- Mika was born in Lebanon but has a dual U.S. and British citizenship -- contributed 1.6 million of those copies, and Mika regularly leaves his London apartment to find gifts from fans or even fans themselves, camping overnight outside his door. "It's fine," he deadpans. "I soon get rid of them." His first major-label single, "Grace Kelly," claimed the top spot in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Wallonia , and went top 10 in 10 other markets. Meanwhile, the album hit No. 1 in France, Flanders, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Wallonia and the United Kingdom, and it went top 10 in eight other markets including Germany and Australia. In France, he's bigger than Johnny Hallyday and fancy cheese put together -- so big that his show there in July 2008 was staged in front of 55,000 fans at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris and featured $1.3 million worth of acrobats, clowns and associated stage production. "I wanted to do a show that was visually effective no matter how far away you were sitting and, unfortunately, that comes with a price tag," he says. "It's so rare to get to a stadium level on a first record, we were just like, 'Let's celebrate it. Let's have fun and do something incredible.'" NEXT STOP, AMERICA For Mika's next trick -- his second album, "The Boy Who Knew Too Much," which arrives internationally Monday on Casablanca/Island Records and a day later in the United States on Universal Republic -- he wants to become a star in America. "Life" debuted and peaked at No. 29 stateside and has sold 350,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan -- a respectable but unspectacular figure, as Universal Republic president/CEO Monte Lipman concedes. "Although it was not ultimately a breakthrough, it was a very good foundation," says Lipman, who points out that his label saw more than 1 million Mika-related retail transactions in the States. "We certainly did not enjoy the global phenomenon like some of the other territories around the world," he says. "But if you compare apples to apples and new and developing artists in America, it was substantial and significant." Mika agrees. "It's a funny one in the States," says the singer, who was nominated for a best dance recording Grammy Award in 2008. "I'm kind of a cult artist there, and, although radio rejects me, I still sell singles. I'm in this very fortunate place where my shows sell, my songs sell, and I'm able to grow in a way that I want to." Growth -- both personal and artistic -- is at the heart of "The Boy Who Knew Too Much," envisioned by its writer as "a kind of rock opera about my adolescence." Work on the album began almost immediately after the promotional campaign for his debut album concluded with a July 27, 2008, concert in front of 40,000 fans at Martyrs' Square in Beirut, Lebanon. Scheduled to take at least four weeks off, Mika lasted four days before abandoning the "incredible" Roman ruins of Syria, where he was vacationing with friends, and returning to England. There, ensconced in his one-room basement studio in London, he began writing his second album. He soon upgraded to the English capital's Olympic Studios, where he began to amass a catalog of "dark and emotional" songs loosely inspired by traditional nursery rhymes. Some of these uncharacteristically downbeat songs would surface on the "Songs for Sorrow" EP -- a limited-edition release sold exclusively through Mika's Web site and retailers Paul Smith and Lanvin -- before he reunited with "Life" producer Greg Wells, who he describes as a "musical Swiss army knife," for his inexhaustible technical knowledge. The pair headed for Rocket Carousel Studios in Los Angeles to make an "unapologetic pop record." "I wanted to come out full guns blazing," Mika says of the 12-track set. It mixes grandiose orchestration, vaudeville, gentle piano ballads, cheesy '80s-influenced disco and the singer's unmistakable falsetto, as well as guest appearances from Imogen Heap and Final Fantasy's Owen Pallet. This time the songs might make fans stop and think, even as they sing along. "There's a lot of quite painful lyrics and a lot of slightly twisted Gothic fairy-tale moments on the record," he says. "I guess that's become a little bit of my trademark. I like to play with the fact that something may sound totally joyful, but at the same time the lyrics are a lot darker." The album's first single is "We Are Golden," an infectious rock-soul number featuring a knockout contribution from the Andrae Crouch gospel choir . STATE OF PLAY Mika, who will undertake a North American tour for three weeks in October, rattles off his American sales stats with a mixture of pride and defiance. While he declines to name names, the fact that other international artists have a higher U.S. profile, despite selling fewer albums, clearly rankles him. He describes selling out U.S. shows as "a big 'f--- you' to everybody who won't play my records." "I'm not taking anything for granted," he says as he ponders the prospect of U.S. success. "I have no preconceptions of what people think of me. I have no assumptions as to whether a radio station will play my records or not. I guess with this new record, the only thing I can say is that it's totally me and, if it was me the first time round that divided people's opinion, then I expect the same thing all over again." Another pause. "But I think that's something to be proud of, not deny." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Judge allows Jackson estate challenge AP - Saturday, September 19 International music star Mika sets sights on U.S. Reuters - Saturday, September 19 Disney studio chief Dick Cook stepping down AP - Saturday, September 19 Emmy Countdown: 'Dancing' pros rehearse routine AP - Saturday, September 19 Judge allows Jackson mom to challenge over estate Reuters - Saturday, September 19 News Search Top Stories Debate heats up over Wall Street rally IMF to sell 403 tonnes of gold to help poor WHO warns of major shortfall in swine flu vaccine US tightens oversight of credit rating agencies German producer prices shed 6.9% in August: data More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Jackson mum, children get $86,000 per month Ozone hole smaller in 2009 than 2008: WMO IMF to sell 403 tonnes of gold to help poor Implanted tooth helps blind US woman recover sight Fed plans to approve banking salaries: report More Most Viewed » Poignant final farewell as Jackson laid to rest Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Search Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Saturday, 19 September 2009
Israelis celebrate Jewish New Year
Guantanamo inmates get video link: rights group
US tightens oversight of credit rating agencies
Thousands march in Iran opposition protests
US-TECH Summary
Italy troop deaths adds to Berlusconi troubles
Google says Apple rejected voice app for iPhone
Iraq rush hour market bomb kills 7
Jackson mum, children get $86,000 per month
Google launches display advertising push
U.N. rights boss urges Yemen to investigate deadly raid | International |
Lobby calls for EU scrutiny of Google book deal
SKoreans develop technology for no-booting computers
Microsoft files lawsuits against "malvertisers"
Darfur rebels accuse Sudan army of attacks | International |
Psychiatrists call for action on anorexia sites
U.S. envoy faces stalemate with Israel, Palestinians
Obama aide: No UN meeting for Obama, Ahmadinejad
In hundreds of cities, parking spaces become parks
Sri Lanka pledges to resettle displaced civilians
FDIC chief considers tapping Treasury for funds
Pakistan trying to stop terror plotters: Zardari
Gov't home loan agency faces cash squeeze
Italy's Afghan debate highlights NATO pressures
Kidnapped woman hasn't given clues in other cases
FCC to unveil open Internet rules | Technology |
US asks court to dismiss challenge to marriage law
Google says Apple rejected voice app for iPhone | Technology |
Millions of Indonesians join mass exodus for Eid holiday
Technology in starring role at NY Fashion Week | Technology |
Appeals court overturns campaign finance rules
Taiwan prosecutors appeal ruling on ex-president
China vows crackdown on 'ethnic separatists'
Putin hails 'brave' US shift on missiles
No joy for Thailand 3 years after coup
Skype founders file new lawsuit vs Volpi, Index | Technology |
Japan's new govt takes broom to conservatives' policies
Former Ore. Sen. Smith to head broadcasters group
NKorea's Kim hints at returning to nuclear talks
Containment date pushed back for LA-area wildfire
Some Myanmar political prisoners receive amnesty
Goldman to sell $1.4 bln stake in Sanyo to Panasonic
Serb officials warn nationalists ahead of gay pride
London mixes it up for fashion week
Few deals, some Oscar bets at Toronto film festival | Entertainment |
Paris bookshop shows French love for Asia-Pacific
NY Fashion Week stands firm in tough times
Phil Spector says prison driving him insane | Entertainment |
Nelly Furtado gets into the Latin groove on new CD
Part two of cult Swedish crime thriller hits cinemas
Credibility gap sabotages thriller Glorious 39 | Entertainment |
India Communists look to promote 'Gandhi chic'
Experts celebrate French classic, with modern message
Rare Konkani film gains Toronto festival spotlight | Entertainment |
Barber of Seville, Bugs Bunny at 'Opera in the Outfield'
Juanes concert latest front in Havana-Miami row | Entertainment |
Taiwan city 'evaluates' Uighur film after China boycott
Pirate Bay suitor served with bankruptcy petition: court
Russia unloads 'piracy' evidence from Arctic Sea
Debate heats up over Wall Street rally
China warns of stability threat from H1N1 flu | International |
Czech senators to file Lisbon Treaty complaint on Sept 29
Indonesia police say DNA confirms key militant dead | International |
U.S. says no breakthrough on Mideast peace deal
U.S. regulator to unveil open Internet plan
IMF to sell 403 tonnes of gold to boost lending to poor
WHO warns of major shortfall in swine flu vaccine
Groups call for EU scrutiny of Google book deal
Iran opposition chiefs attacked as mass protests hit regime
Google revamps DoubleClick exchange
Qaeda tells Germany to change government: monitors
EBay fined again for selling fake Louis Vuitton goods online
Skype founders file another suit over eBay sale
U.N. says Colombia persecuting human rights workers | International |
Some injuries after quake near Indonesia's Bali | International |
Beijing cancels National Day rehearsal after disruptions | International |
Lawyers in Myanmar appeal against Suu Kyi sentence | International |
Indonesian quake injures 7 on Bali resort island
Indonesian official says quake in Bali injures 7
Some injuries after quake near Indonesia's Bali
U.S. urges court to reject Google book deal | Technology |
All Blacks play Wallabies, Tri-Nations title beyond reach
French Polynesia leader questioned in graft probe
Italy's Afghan debate highlights NATO pressures
UN chief hails release of Myanmar dissidents
Suicide attack kills 33 in Pakistan market: police
Obama to meet Japan's new prime minister at UN
Ex-CIA chiefs seek halt to interrogations probe
Chinese authorities assault journalists: Japan news agency
2 dozen motorcycles crash on I-5 in Ore.
Second man questioned in terror probe
States send mixed message on texting and driving
Families: Find 3 sailors killed in '46 polar crash
Cardinal allegedly delayed report of abuse claim
Fan pays $63,500 for dinner with Palin
Court temporarily halts 2nd Ohio execution attempt
Police in Calif. believe financier killed himself
Emmy Countdown: 'Dancing' pros rehearse routine
Judge allows Jackson mom to challenge over estate | Entertainment |
Judge allows Jackson estate challenge
International music star Mika sets sights on U.S.
International music star Mika sets sights on U.S. | Entertainment |
Disney studio chief Dick Cook stepping down
Farrah Fawcett's son gets rehab for heroin possession | Entertainment |
Emmy Countdown: 'Dancing' pros rehearse routine
Judge allows Jackson mom to challenge over estate
Belafonte calls for better US-Cuba relations
Man who tried to get in Seacrest's car sentenced
Fall Out Boy tells Toy story in comic-book series | Entertainment |
Farrah Fawcett's son gets rehab for heroin possession
Obama in media blitz to push health care overhaul
Soap opera Guiding Light shuts off after 72 years | Entertainment |
Mexico sets simultaneous 'Thriller' dance record
Taliban leader Mullah Omar takes aim at Obama | International |
U.N. probes use of its vehicles in Somalia bombing | International |
Abbas meets Mubarak after Mitchell trip | International |
Yemen announces Eid ceasefire but fighting goes on | International |
Thai red shirts rally to mark coup anniversary | International |
Pakistan says investigating Mumbai attack mastermind | International |
Cursive may be a fading skill, but so what?
Strong earthquake hits western China
Philippine Muslim rebels warn of new fighting
Russia ditches Kaliningrad missile threat
Obama: G-20 summit good time to assess economy
Villagers bury dead as Pakistan bomb toll hits 40
Police investigate 4 killings in central Va.
The Nation's weather
Obama to meet China, Japan, Russia leaders
Indonesian police: DNA test confirms Noordin death
Taiwan stages 'pyjama protest' over typhoon
Pa. man gulps 33 1/2 burritos, wins eating contest
Taiwan prison rejects 96-year-old convict: report
Asian countries want greater decision-making role
Charges dropped against Laos 'coup plotter'
Irving Kristol, godfather of neoconservatism, dies
French tourist injured in Beijing knife attack
China calls on banks to reduce loan risk
Turkmenistan to open China, Iran gas pipelines
Volkswagen 'could take stake in Suzuki' in 2009
China bank regulator warns of loan risks
Pakistani c.bank buys 74.7 bln rupees of govt paper
S.Korea c.bank tells assembly rates may rise-report
IMF to sell 403 tonnes of gold to boost lending
Leonard Cohen recovers from collapse
Indonesia police: DNA test confirms Noordin death
'The Age of Stupid': a wakeup call on climate
Indonesia police say DNA confirms key militant dead
Strong quake hits Indonesia's Bali
Cuban dissident punk rocker Gorki Aguila visits US
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01