Interview with Dannii Minogue

Dannii Minogue is releasing her greatest hits album Hits & Beyond in the UK today. The double disc features some of her greatest hits such as "Put The Needle on It," "I Begin To Wonder" and "Perfection." The compilation also introduces six new tracks including the forgettable new single "Under Pressure" and the excellent "Love Fight," a pulsating slice of disco drama with an infectious "uh-oh-oh" that will surely get the Euro kids grooving this summer.

Listening to Dannii, I am once again reminded how similar she sounds vocally to her sister, but based on some of their most recent work I think the two sisters differ musically. Kylie's productions tend to be more subtle and delicate, while Dannii favors much bolder beats. Dannii's fat red lipstick on that cover art tells it all.

I met Dannii for an interview a while back and here are some outtakes from our chat:

Dannii about the alleged rivalry with sister Kylie:
"I really respect what Kylie is doing (...), we were raised in a family of love and support and that has not changed."

Dannii about the comparison with sister Kylie:
"It is hard to be compared to Kylie all the time. But on the other hand, however, people will always try to compare you to somebody. My last name is getting a lot of attention. It makes a great headline. It opens doors and provides a lot of opportunity and I'm very thankful for it. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Dannii about gay fans:
"Gays have always been a part of my music. But I have never jumped on the pink bandwagon to increase my popularity. It just came naturally."

Dannii about the issue of gay marriage:
"It is not a black or white issue. Some kind of certificate of commitment is important. It doesn't have to be a marriage. Something official that is accepted by all government bodies would be sufficient. As long as you can have a special day together that is recognized by the government is what counts."

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More Madonna Secrets
Madonna's special CD/DVD package "I'm Going To Tell You A Secret" was released last Tuesday. Directed by Jonas Akerlund, the double disc set is a must-have for fans with wide-screen performance footage of many of her hits filmed during the Reinvention tour. The set also features the documentary that follows Madonna's journey behind the scenes with her touring family and real family as they travel around the globe. You might remember that priceless line "Who is the queen, Rocco?" from the film.

The disc set also includes bonus footage that did not air during the television premier of Akerlund's documentary. Head over to YouTube to check out a hilarious skit of Stuart Price and drummer Steve Sidelnyk getting pampered during the tour in Los Angeles. Toying around with a thick cucumber and walking around in frilly high heels, the two are showing their love for each other. Also note, Stuart is keeping up with his craft by reading a book called "Recording Techniques."

Watch Stuart & Steve in Los Angeles [bonus]

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Interview with Peaches
After a brief conversation on instant messenger, I sent over some questions to Peaches to get a little more scoop on her new album "Impeach My Bush" that is due out on July 10. Nothing too lengthy or scientific, because Peaches is all about good fun and quite a busy girl these days.

Peaches has been called Madonna's one-time objection of affection, which illustrates the reach of her sexed up brew of unique electropunkrockhiphop. "Impeach My Bush"
is her third album and includes appearances by Joan Jett, the Gossip's Beth Ditto, Josh Homme, Samantha Maloney, and Leslie Feist. Tracks titles include "Tent In Your Pants," "Fuck Or Kill," "Slippery Dick" and "Boys Wanna Be Her." Nasty and sweet, "Impeach My Bush" is your perfect cobbler.

Arjan: What is your favorite lyric on your new album?
Peaches: Pissed in your pimp cup drink up.

Arjan: The gays love Peaches. How does that feel? Does it give you a tent in your pants?
Peaches: It makes a woman a man and a man can can.

Arjan: What's the energy you get from gays?
Peaches: Gay rays!

Arjan: You fancy chicks? Or are you straight as an arrow?
Peaches: Sometimes I go straight to the chicks.

Arjan: Who is your favorite gay ever and why?
Peaches: Rob Helford, cuz he is the gay metal god!

Arjan: Musically, how would you describe this new record? (I haven't heard it yet.)
Peaches: My new record is pumped up sexed up and will give you a phat lip, bam, right in the kisser.

Arjan: Summer is almost here: What's your favorite ice cream?
Peaches: Oh, I love all ice cream just when it starts to drip!

Get a taste for Peach. Stream her new track "Downtown" here: