Summer has officially started and all the bouncy pop tunes and heatwave anthems are starting to make their way to your nearest radio, from the window of that souped-up Peugeot passing you on the road and from the deafening earphones of that teenager on the bus. And, like every year, the battle has commenced in the industry to create a song that that is the definitive sound of the season. It’s still early days, but it seems like it will be a tough call this year. However, one track that I am calling a Future Hit is “I Like It” by Mr. Enrique Iglesias and our favourite foul-mouth Cuban rapper, Pitbull.
Iglesias hasn’t been around much releasing big tunes; his last offering to us was “Takin’ Back My Love” last year, so he’s on schedule for anoter track. As for Pitbull, well he’s been doing the rounds consistently with stompers like “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)”, “Hotel Room Service” and “Shut it Down” with Akon, which despite being one of his worst tracks in my opinion, reached No. 13 in the Irish Singles Chart, and only 33 in the UK.
“I Like It” was produced by the producer-of-the-moment, RedOne, and samples Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long”. It’s got a fresh, summer sound, as as stated, could easily be heard blasting out at ridiculous levels, with it’s hot electro dance-pop sound. As for the lyrics, they’re nothing to write home about: “Girl please excuse me/If I’m misbehaving, oh/I’m trying keep my hands off/But you’re begging me for more/Round round round/Give a low low low/Let the time time pass/’Cause we’re never getting old”.
Essentially, it’s a song that you could easily dance to in a sweaty club on a night out, as well as chill to it with friends. It’ll be big, and the track will start to get played here on Irish radio soon, as it is only about to get it’s première on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show in Los Angeles at time of print.
It’s being released today, so you can buy it online as “I Like It” is a digital download only.
Future Hit: “I Like It” by Enrique Iglesias Feat. Pitbull.
(Track not linked for copyright reasons; No video is available at this time.)
RIP Gerry Ryan
Yesterday, the broadcaster Gerry Ryan passed, as he was found dead in his apartment in Leeson Street, Dublin. The entire nation, and not just the broadcasting world, is in shock after the untimely and tragic death of the presenter, whose experience on RTÉ spanned over two decades. He left us at the age of 53. A moving tribute was offered to him this morning on 2FM, the station which was his home since 1988.
I had the pleasure of being on The Gerry Ryan Show last year as part of my participation of the Sony Ericsson Fanwalk, where I chatted with him about Berlin, where we were at the time, the event and competition itself, and general news about the group itself. Unfortunately, my phone was cut off due to network problems a few minutes after the start of the conversation, so I never quite got to finish it. However, from the start of the call, and any other time I had called or been involved, I remember Gerry offering a very welcoming and interested presence; as many have said as they vent tributes, he was a very welcoming and inviting broadcaster, and as Gerry said in an interview some time ago, he wanted to deliver a feeling that you were “having a talk over a pint, or an argument at the dinner-table”- this is exactly how it felt; he made me feel that I wasn’t live on national radio, being listened into my thousands, with many more abroad- he made it feel like a few words and a bit of banter just with him. This was something he was excellent at.
The tribute show on the radio this morning had one contributor stating that “He was there from the start” and that despite changes in the station, “the station changed around him”. It is true, and nobody in Ireland will be able to replace Gerry and provide a show that was loved by so many. As someone getting involved, and being somewhat a part of radio and broadcasting, it is clear to see how much of a wonderful entertainer and presenter he was. He will be dearly missed by many, including his “friends” (the listeners) who tuned into the show each day, along with his fellow colleagues.
Sadly, yesterday, the Ryan-line closed. Closed, but not forgotten.
RIP Gerry Ryan.
(You can pay tribute to Gerry: http://www.announcement.ie/3944428)
It’s the famous Ben & Jerry’s free cone day, and it’s hitting up the capital today.
If you’re wondering how it works, to celebrate the company’s long term history and the fact that it lasted so long, the company give out free scoops all day. It started when Ben and Jerry themselves gave out free samples in their original Vermont shop after they made it through one trading year. Now, the fun has come to Ireland, and we’re gorging on the tasty flavours all today.
Here’s the schedule, so that you can get some flavours:
RTÉ
10-10.45am
IFSC
- 12-2pm
UCD
- 3-4pm
Heuston Station
- 5.30-7.30pm
Remember to try that flavour that you’ve always feared to try; now’s your chance.
And, if you want to get your grubby paws on a voucher, email freeconeday@thinkhousepr.com with your details and you could get one in the post. However, do it fast, as they’ve only 100 up for grabs.
. E+OE.