Blue Scholars hasn’t released an album since 2007, but these guys are back with their third full-length studio album, Cinemetropolis. A few months back sign a deal with the people by asking them to fund their new album. They skipped the record deal route and took it to the fans. They believe the power of word-of-mouth far more than industry-induced hype, recognizing that it’s been the support of their fans that got them where they are today. During the fundraising process, they asked for $25,000. What they got back in return from the fans was over $60,000. That’s some major word of mouth and fan support.

Blue Scholars has now finished the 15 track Cinemetropolis album. Cinema has always played a major influence in their music, and this collection of songs is the most complete expression of that source of inspiration. During the creation of this collection of songs, an idea emerged: how does music influence cinema? Cinemetropolis will be both an album and a collection of films inspired by the music. A sort of reverse movie soundtrack. With this project, each song, through collaborations with an array of filmmakers, will take on a life its own. They got a gang of music videos, short films and multimedia projects in the works, anchored by a featurette directed by longtime Blue Scholars collaborator Zia Mohajerjasbi.

Look for Cinemetropolis to drop in June 14, 2011, followed by a Fall tour and the first wave of video projects. The music has already made its way online. Support them when the album comes out.

Listen to more Blue Scholars music: HI-808, Paul Valéry, Coffee & Snow, and Coffee & Snow 2

Update: You can get Cinemetropolis on or amazon.

Cinemetropolis album by Blue Scholars

Track listing for Cinemetropolis album by Blue Scholars
01. Cinemetropolis
02. Hussein
03. Fou Lee
04. Lalo Schifrin
05. Seijun Suzuki
06. Anna Karina
07. Marion Sunshine
08. Slick Watts
09. George Jackson
10. Oskar Barnack GeP Oscar Grant
11. Yuri Kochiyama
12. Rani Mukerji
13. Tommy Chong
14. Chief Sealth
15. Fin

Rapper Mike B takes you “On Top of the World” for his music video. With some of that classic old school flavor on the track, his objective in the music industry is clear : he wants to be on top. The single is off his upcoming “Better Late Than Never” album. Let like we’ve been hearing from him and can’t wait to see what he’s got next.

For more Mike B, check out Loves Me Not and Be With Me.

On Top of the World by Mike B

Singer Baiyu released a music video for her song “Together” off her Fan Fair album. “Together is an R&B feel good song,” she confides. “It’s definitely a song that’s meant to empower the listener and really convey that things are going to be okay. Essentially, my music is the byproduct of my personal story. Hopefully, my story, through song, will help others in need.” Here’s more from Baiyu about her music video:

The shoot for “Together” was definitely one of the most fun times I’ve had doing a music video! My other two videos (Sweet Misery and When We Dance) were done in Hawaii, which I absolutely love, but coming home to New York to film this one with my close group of friends just felt right. Jamming out in the subway station was such a humbling experience.

I’m lucky to have a ton of great friends and fans who are supportive of the message and spirit behind the song. I’m so glad that we all had a chance to come together and share our personal thoughts and words of encouragement with the folks in Japan who are still rebuilding through the rubble of the tsunami and earthquake devastation. I really want the video to be a heartwarming take on how we can all do our part to help each other in a time of need, no matter how large or small the effort. This whole project is very close to my heart.

100% of the proceeds from “Together” and the EP “Fan Fair” will go to the Japanese Red Cross. Get you copy on .

Together music video by Baiyu

Lyrics to Together by Baiyu

Chorus:
You know you can come to me
Whenever you’re in need
I will stand by your side
Through and through

Whenever you’re feeling down
I’ll pick you up off the ground
Just know that you’re not alone
We can win this fight together

Verse I:
Through hard times
In simple ways
That’s how I show you
That I care for you (yeah)

I know we’ve been through
Ups and downs
But you wiped my tears away
Told me that we’ll find a way

Sub Chorus:
Now we’re sitting on top of the world
Just you and your favorite girl
And I
Know that nothing can defeat us

Just hold my hand
And I’ll hold yours
If we never let go (go)
Baby we got it

Chorus

Verse II:
There’s never been a pair like us
Anybody’s seen before
Jordan and Pippen ain’t got
Nothing on us we’re too hot

Nothing can come between the two
And everything you are
To me
Makes me believe
And now

Sub Chorus

Chorus

Bridge:
Noone ever has to be alone
There’s always someone to count on
Even though you might think you’re on your own
Just look around for somebody to say

Chorus