InfoAnda - Bruno Mars strikes out on his own with "Doo-Wops"

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

Global slowdown 'fuels German unemployment' | 31 March 2009
US-TECH Summary | 20 December 2010
Greek public sector workers strike over reforms | | 19 December 2012

Suicide bomber in Pakistan's Swat kills 5 | 16 August 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Bruno Mars strikes out on his own with "Doo-Wops"

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 Bruno Mars strikes out on his own with "Doo-Wops" Reuters - Tuesday, October 5 Send IM Story Print By Jason Lipshutz NEW YORK - Bruno Mars and Travie McCoy's hit single "Billionaire" might never have been written had Mars been aware of the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and British pound. According to Mars, he came up with the hook to the pop-rap hit last year while walking around London and slowly realizing just how broke he actually was. "Me and each to live off of for 11 days," Mars says. "And everything there was so expensive. We were like, 'Is this the biggest mistake we've ever made? We thought we were broke in California; what are we going to do here?' So we've got no money, and I'm walking the streets and came up with, 'I wanna be a billionaire, so frickin' bad.'" Mars might have been strapped for cash, but before the "Billionaire" refrain popped into his head, the 24-year-old Hawaii native already had an impact on pop radio as a member of production team the Smeezingtons. Mars' featured vocals on the song's chorus, as well as on B.o.B's Billboard Hot 100-topping "Nothin' on You," were preceded by a songwriting credit on Flo Rida's "Right Round" and production work on K'naan's "Wavin' Flag," which became the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup. Yet for Mars , it's never been about producing other people. Although he was hawking his Smeezingtons material to pay his bills, Mars' focus remained on his solo career. On the eve of the Tuesday release of Mars' debut album, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans," Elektra co-president John Janick thinks that the success of "Nothin' on You" and "Billionaire," as well as the steady growth of the disc's retro-romantic first single, "Just the Way You Are," have set up Mars as a multifaceted flagship artist for the recently revived label. "We were thinking that, if all these songs were hits, it will help him develop as an artist before his first album," Janick says. "It came together exactly right. The songs introduced his voice to a lot of different people." Mars did suffer a setback, though, when he was arrested September 19 in Las Vegas on suspicion of cocaine possession after a performance at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino the previous night. The singer isn't commenting on the arrest, but the drug charge didn't slow his momentum on the charts, as "Just the Way You Are" gave Mars his first solo No. 1 on the Hot 100 four days after the news broke. YOUTH IN REVOLT After spending his childhood onstage performing doo-wop songs with his father in Hawaii, Mars graduated high school at 17 and flew to Los Angeles to start a solo career. His older sister had a connection that landed Mars a deal with Universal Motown, but Mars says the relationship was "more of a 'sign a kid who can sing and see what happens'" partnership, and Motown soon dropped the singer after studio time yielded disappointing results. Mars, who chalks up the failed deal to his own inexperience, says he was dissuaded by the process of "bouncing around from producer to producer" and struggling to find one who understood his songwriting ideas. "He was clearly talented, but there was no control as to where he was going," says Philip Lawrence, a songwriter who hit it off with Mars at Motown. When Lawrence realized that Mars was a seasoned guitarist, bassist, pianist and percussionist, he suggested that the two of them begin creating their own backing music and start producing on the fly. The two dubbed themselves the Smeezingtons -- a riff on the word "smash" -- and later added Levine as an engineer. Suddenly Mars had a team behind his music. With no one answering his calls, however, he still didn't have any money. A record label eventually reached out to Mars, but instead of giving him the deal he needed, it asked to use one of his songs for another artist. Mars recalls, "'We said, 'No, absolutely not. This is my art.' They said, 'We'll pay you a lot of money.' So we said, 'OK, here you go, have it.' "It was either that, or I was going back to Hawaii," he says. "After we sold the first track, it opened our eyes. We put the artist stuff on the back burner and took some of the pressure off ourselves." GRABBING THE MIC The Smeezingtons wrote and produced songs by Brandy and Matisyahu, but working with Canadian hip-hop artist K'naan in 2008 "established what we do with live instrumentation and programed drums, but with a classic, vintage feel," Mars says. A writing credit on "Right Round" in early 2009 gained the attention of Atlantic A&R director Aaron Bay-Schuck, who helped Mars and Lawrence land a meeting with Elektra co-presidents Janick and Mike Caren last fall. Mars played five songs in the meeting, including the choruses of "Nothin' on You" and "Billionaire," and Janick was instantly sold. "Every song sounded like a smash," Janick recalls. "As soon as they walked out of the meeting, I said, 'We have to sign these guys.'" As the Smeezingtons were finding steady work, the group unwittingly turned its writing and production work on "Nothin' on You" and "Billionaire" into avenues for Mars' solo career. Rapper B.o.B and Gym Class Heroes frontman McCoy were presented the songs with no intention of Mars singing on the finished product, but the charisma he added to the hooks was undeniable. "The first time I heard that dude belt, it was like people hearing Michael Jackson for the first time," says McCoy, who was working on his debut album with the Smeezingtons in Miami when Mars sang him the "Billionaire" hook. "There was one other prospect for the hook but ... after he went in and laid down the final vocals it was a no-brainer. We had to keep him on the record." As Mars prepares for his first headlining tour in November, the singer's solo ascendance might signal the end of another rising pop force: the Smeezingtons. The production team continues to knock out hits like "Nothin' on You," "Wavin' Flag" and, most recently, Cee Lo's "F--- You," which earned 3 million YouTube hits in its first week. With Mars expected to tour heavily in support of "Doo-Wops," he says that the Smeezingtons are "definitely going to be taking a break from the producer stuff once the solo stuff comes out." Even if the Smeezingtons' output slows to a halt, Mars' live show could be worth the trio's diverted attention. The singer earned rave reviews for his New York solo debut on August 27, in which he and his band rocked a sold-out Bowery Ballroom in matching blue suits. For someone who grew up on the stage, unveiling his songs live is more important than hiding in a studio. "This has been all of our dreams: me, Phil and Ari," Mars says. "Let's work on songs that we strongly believe in, get them out there and perform them right." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary Reuters - 2 hours 13 minutes ago Return of "Deadliest Catch" trio still uncertain Reuters - 2 hours 14 minutes ago Facebook film paints harsh portrait of Zuckerberg AFP - Tuesday, October 5 'Social Network' scores box-office success AFP - Tuesday, October 5 Zack Snyder at helm of new Superman movie Reuters - Tuesday, October 5 News Search Top Stories Moody's considers possible downgrade of Irish debt Doctors fueled US starlet's drug addiction US deficit is 'real and growing' threat: Bernanke British comedy actor Norman Wisdom dies aged 95 French rogue trader Kerviel faces verdict More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Iraq oil reserves overtake Iran Global marine life census charts vast world beneath the seas Top economist warns of European 'wave of austerity' Europe seeks closer role with Asia giants Big Swiss banks 'must face tougher capital hurdle' More Most Viewed » US state executes first woman in nearly 100 years Workers swarm Europe's streets in anti-cuts protests 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 Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Yahoo! News Network Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Afghan attacks kill five NATO soldiers
US-TECH Summary
Drone strike kills 8 Germans in northwest Pakistan |
U.S. views sought in Iraqi contractor torture case
Hard drive makers face challenge from tablets
Afghan civil leaders slam Karzai's peace council |
Taliban claim deadly NATO tanker blaze in Pakistan
NY Times to pay back Carlos Slim loan early
U.N. council heads to Sudan amid fears new war looms |
3 blasts kill at least 2 Afghan police in Kandahar
Study shows Israelis and Palestinians both retaliate |
Survey Shows U.S. Teens More Conscious of Safe-Sex
Chinese Monopoly On Rare Earth Metals Challenged
France launches warnings to web pirates
Philadelphia Duck Boats To Resume Operations Despite Deaths
Drone strike kills 8 Germans in northwest Pakistan
Israel orders pro-Palestinian Nobel laureate deported |
Facebook Co-Founder Mark Zuckerberg Lends Voice On "The Simpsons"
Japan to plead its case on islands at ASEM summit
Music Boss Tommy Mottola To Pen Memoir
4 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan's south, east
China's Wen urges stability of major currencies
Suspect In Boston Murders To Appear In Court
Emma Stone Rumored To Take On Role Of Spider-Man's Mary Jane Watson
Twitter COO Costolo replaces co-founder as CEO |
Japan's leadership woes hinder reforms: OECD
3 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan's south, east
Hard drive makers face challenge from tablets |
Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber nearing 1 billion YouTube views |
Venice mayor mocks billboard critics
'Desirable' 38M dlr pink diamond up for auction
Google announces content partners for 'Google TV'
Condom-use common among US teens, rare for old folk: study
Beer record smashed at Munich fest's 200th birthday
US drone strike kills Germans in Pakistan: officials
Viktor Bout extradition stalled by Thai ruling
Summer comes to Paris with Ungaro garden party
Viktor Bout wears flak jacket to Bangkok court
John Lennon 70th Birthday Events |
Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z big winners at BET Awards |
Die Hard director John McTiernan gets year in prison |
Wynton Marsalis in Cuba to bring people together |
Largest Avedon photograph auction set for Paris |
Report: AIG to sell India mutual fund business
No 'adjustments' needed on war fronts: Obama
British comedy actor Norman Wisdom dies aged 95
French take to barricades over Internet piracy law
Rousseff favored in Brazil runoff |
Egypt-Iran flights to resume after 30 year break
Car bomb explodes outside N. Ireland shopping centre
Doctors fueled US starlet's drug addiction
French rogue trader Kerviel faces verdict
US deficit is 'real and growing' threat: Bernanke
Can an election of generals help reform Myanmar? |
Google has content deals with media/internet firms
Blasts kill 4 NATO troops, up to 4 Afghan police
Japan and China agree to improve ties despite row |
Europe on alert after attacks warning
Global marine life census charts vast world beneath the seas
DoCoMo to launch Samsung Galaxy phone, tablet this year
White House Downplays European Travel Warning Threat
Egypt-Iran flights to resume after 30 year break |
Video Details How Stuxnet Worm Can Blow Up Power Plant
Skype names senior Cisco exec Bates as CEO
Stocks Tumble As Microsoft, Macy’s Downgraded
Corrected: Bosnia vote points to deadlock on ethnic lines |
4 NATO troops, Afghan policemen die in Afghanistan
Ecuador raises military wages after police revolt |
California AG Sues 8 Car Washes For Unpaid Wages
T-Mobile USA to offer new Microsoft phones
Kashmiri Hindus Demonstrate Against Indian Government
Car bomb explodes in Northern Ireland: police |
Supreme Court Faces Controversial Cases as New Term Starts
Cisco executive taking over as Skype CEO
Twitter co-founder steps down as CEO
N.Korea restores facilities at nuclear reactor
Hollywood festival to honor Sylvester Stallone
DoCoMo to launch Samsung Galaxy phone, tablet this year
Indonesian flood toll rises to 26
T-Mobile USA to offer new Microsoft phones
"Die Hard" director John McTiernan gets year in prison
Mexico police search for US tourist after shooting
Japan and China agree to improve ties despite row
Sparse crowds dog Delhi Games, as Aussies dominate
China, Japan leaders agree to improve ties
US drone strike kills Germans in Pakistan terror zone
Terrorism alert tips U.S. hand, but just barely
N.Zealand broadcaster suspended over race comments
US drone strike kills Germans in Pakistan: officials
Google has content deals with media/internet firms |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Viktor Bout extradition stalled by Thai ruling
T-Mobile USA to offer new Microsoft phones |
Flash floods in eastern Indonesia kill at least 26
Return of "Deadliest Catch" trio still uncertain
Skype names senior Cisco exec Bates as CEO |
Yves Saint Laurent brings sexy back for Spring 2011
Samsung plans to launch tablet globally this year |
Facebook film paints harsh portrait of Zuckerberg
Canada MPs get a whiff of a spliff
Verizon Wireless to pay refunds for billing errors |
'Social Network' scores box-office success
Zack Snyder at helm of new Superman movie
Bruno Mars strikes out on his own with "Doo-Wops"
Taiwan Formosa says No.2 naphtha cracker to shut Tues
Seoul shares flat;techs down, Lotte Samkang gains
Detroit musicians strike days before new season
Indonesia wraps up Australia drug smuggler hearing
Bank of Japan adopts zero-interest rate policy
Japan to demand China resume rare earth shipments
S.Korea warns of more limits on FX forward trading
PAKISTAN
Taiwan dollar rises, but gains seen pared by c.bank, won
Defiant Beijing facing more pressure on yuan
Seoul shares take breather; techs, banks fall
Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber nearing 1 billion YouTube views |
RPT-PREVIEW-Taiwan Sept CPI seen rebounding to +0.41 pct
Crime doesn't pay for Keanu Reeves in spoof |
Return of Deadliest Catch trio still uncertain |
Zack Snyder at helm of new Superman movie |
Bruno Mars strikes out on his own with Doo-Wops |
Online critics pick 100 best, first films |
Detroit musicians strike days before new season |
Hollywood festival to honor Sylvester Stallone |
Ex-trader Kerviel sentenced to 3 years in jail |
French police arrest nine in terror probe
Wonder carbon pioneers win Nobel Physics Prize
Militants plan attacks on oil sea transport hubs: Russia
France holds 12 in Europe anti-terrorism operation |
ECB soaks up cash to offset help through bond buying
Ally of ex-Moscow mayor 'charged with corruption'
Duo wins 2010 physics Nobel for super-thin carbon |
French rogue trader Kerviel guilty of breach of trust
Florida Man Kills 1, Wounds 5 In Shooting Spree
Verizon Under Investigation by FCC, Agrees To Issue 15 Million Customer Refunds
Moody's considers possible downgrade of Irish debt
Dutch Christian Democrats back pact with Wilders |
Feds: Federal Judge Bought Drugs For Stripper
Samsung plans to launch tablet globally this year
Police Investigate 2 Deaths In Florida Shooting
Nigeria leader's rival decries witch hunt over bombs |
Doctors: Blacks Need To Start Hypertension Treatment Sooner
Europe terror alert fuelled by German militants |
Thai court clears way for Viktor Bout extradition
Vatican keeps up attack on Nobel committee over IVF |
Afghan election official arrested; vote tally delayed |
Thai court drops case against Viktor Bout
Hungary declares emergency after red sludge spill |
Thai court to rule on Viktor Bout extradition
Thai ruling brings Viktor Bout closer to US custody
Indonesian president postpones Dutch visit
Ke$ha says former manager acted as unlicensed agent
Thai court dismisses extra charges against Bout
Special report: The Pentagon's new cyber warriors |
Microsoft CEO says will see Windows slates by Christmas |
Philippines tells anthem crooners not to do it their way
UAE and BlackBerry users stick to device as deadline nears |
Asian growth boosts Tesco profits
Suu Kyi sues Myanmar junta over party dissolution
Pakistani rupee gains vs dollar; stocks edge lower
Nokia MeeGo chief leaves ahead of key launch |
Japan man apologises for killing British teacher
Taiwan to ask banks to report loans on land-sources
Hard drive makers face challenge from tablets |
N.Korea, UN Command fail to agree on warship talks
Chinese movies dominate Asia's top film festival
S.Korea private bad bank to buy troubled loans
Samsung to launch smartphone, tablet PC in Japan
Slapstick British comedian Norman Wisdom dies at 95 |
$4 million Chagall painting sets new Asian record |
Israeli orchestra set to play at Wagner festival |
Ke$ha says former manager acted as unlicensed agent |
Microsoft CEO says will see Windows slates by Christmas
Japan tech fair offers glimpse of future lifestyles
Apple faces $625 million fines over patents: report
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