Duffy is definitely one of my favourite new artists of the past decade, but there seems to be a bit of a controversy around her of late. It was announced late December that she had split from manager Jeanette Lee, co-owner of independent label Rough Trade. It is said that Lee was responsible for connecting Duffy with Bernard Butler, who co-wrote most of her BRIT and Grammy award-winning debut Rockferry. Rumours have it that the consummate artist didn't like the direction in which she was being managed, having to do irrelevant promotional appearances and campaigns for products like Diet Coke. This means likely that we won't be seeing Butler's name on her newer material, perhaps?
That being said, Duffy is now in New York recording her sophomore album, to be released later this year, working with Albert Hammond, who had a string of hits in the '70s. He has written hits recorded by the likes of Tina Turner and Ace of Base. It is said her follow-up will continue in the same vein as Rockferry and according to a source at Billboard Magazine, "sounds like it is born in 1963".
Although the Motown Revival was big for most of 2007 and 2008 thanks to the likes of Amy Winehouse, Adele and Duffy, it will be interesting to see how it will fare in 2010. Check out these photos I got of Duffy early 2008 at her The Mod Club showcase in Toronto. She was even sweet enough to personalize my album for me.
records "born in 1963" sounds promising...i'm a fan of that era of pop
ReplyDeletei'm curious! producers are vey important and i think she and butler had amazing chemistry. hoping that the new material can still reflect Duffy at her best.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing! Where IS Duffy? I know the Diet Coke ad was a disaster to her image in the UK, so getting away from that is a great thing. I am looking forward to the new 1963 stuff!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget she is also working with Questlove who produced the last Al Green album.
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