Zeitgeist-uk
Stuart A Hamilton, Head Honcho
January 24, 2008
http://www.the-rocker.co.uk/
Blimey! I never thought that talent could actually rub off. Not that it ever stopped me rubbing up against some very talented performers over the years. It was murder getting rid of the talc, but that's another story. But here's Raistalla, a dancer who has worked with Prince, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys amongst many others, releasing a CD that's chock full of splendid, largely self penned, dance choons! I may have to give the rubbing up thing another go!
Raistalla says that this was an experimental release to show her transfer from dancer to singer/performing artist, but it knocks the pants off many major label acts who would be thoroughly shamed if they clapped ears on this. Although her new material will "resemble the fire of Beyonce, the innocence of Rihanna and the funky trendsetting creativity of Missy Elliot." Which is some claim, but if this is an indication of her abilities, who am I to doubt her forthcoming "Electro-Funk". Give the guys at Unklejam a call, that's what I say.
If you do want to hear the new stuff, click on the link at the end to check out her new single 'Shut It Down'. Back on this CD and it's just jam packed with dance anthems from top to bottom, although I could have done without hearing the chorus to 'Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)'. It was bad enough living through the Spanda Ballet years. Quite cleverly, the music is sequenced into acts, with the music seamlessly sliding from one song into another, so you can just get your dancing shoes on, and boogie on down non-stop. It's an album full of delights with the aforementioned 'Pressure', 'Long Way' and 'Miami Sugar' topping my personal playlist.
An absolute gem, and a talent that should be topping charts.
INDIE IN-TUNE Magazine
Kate Moran
April 18th - May 17th, 2007
http://www.northeastintune.com/index.php
?bd=reg&sb=land&article=040714
The new diva of electro pop Raistalla has arrived. After a career in professional dancing she has now emerged as a solo artist ready to take on the dance music scene with her own unique style and diva attitude.
"Shut It Down" is her first single project which will be a big hit with those in the clubbing circuit as it is a track that would be very difficult to sit down and listen to without the urge to dance.
Raistalla has created a new fusion of pop, electronica and funk. Her songs are fit for anywhere with a social buzz that requires lively music. She is a very talented individual with abilities in singing but also dabbles in the field of rapping in her song "Clownin' Out" where it is made obvious that she brings individuality to her work.
Raistalla has a funky style and has an air of being a trendsetter. Her music will have a positive appeal on parents and children of all ages, but still has an edgy urban appeal which will attract the rebellious teenage listener.
Read more...http://www.northeastintune.com/index.php?bd=
reg&sb=land&article=040714
DanceMusic.About.com
Jimi Bruce
February 8, 2007
Guide Rating - 4 stars!
http://dancemusic.about.com/od/reviews/fr/Raistalla.htm
...The more I listened to her, the more magical the experience became. The album leaves you wanting more, as in, "is that all?" One reason is the moving and mellifluous material she performs; another reason is in the mix of the CD which is divided into two "Acts" and an "Epilogue," with most of the cuts in Act I blending without the usual pause between them. The result is only eleven songs in all. From the frisky first phases of the opening number, "Long Way," to the specific "Speed Racer," her music is positively uplifting. Back in the day we'd say, "She's movin' and groovin!" "Long Way" is a testament to great song positioning as it is an ideal selection to lead-off her world premiere. Mixing seamlessly into the refrain, "I wanna get my chance with you "Tonight," track two's lyrics are wonderfully conversational.
If you've ever fallen behind on a bill payment because of a change in employment, then track three, "Pressure," is for you. Identify and feel the repetitious refrain, "I don't need this pressure..." again and again in your brain; possibly to help ease the pain. This song is my "pick hit."
The catchy "Feels So Good" sounds like the workout theme music for the aerobics segment of one of those a body-shaping TV shows. Just keep... in... step! Raistalla seems to be an energetic soul; I can tell just by looking at her photos on the CD insert! The moves jumped right out at me.
It ain't hard to tell that she's been garnering awards in places like London and Tokyo, and I still don't understand why here in the US we are often so damned late on the great stuff, while the mediocre copycats get immediate play more often than not. Raistalla - you go girl! – is "just a girl who wants atten-shun" by the time we get to track five, and no sooner do you get used to that concept, then she is "Clownin' Out" with a bit of Hip-Hop flava to wrap-up the first act as my sure-shot selection...
READ MORE...http://dancemusic.about.com/od/reviews/fr/Raistalla.htm
Twirl Radio-Sacremento (CA)
Mike Lidskin
December 9, 2006
http://www.twirlradio.com/notes.php
The next big thing is here. Period. And her name is Raistalla! Let's get the categorization out of the way. She does techno music, or perhaps you could call it dance music. True. Okay, now let's get the disclaimers out of the way. I've checked out what the other reviewers are saying about Raistalla, and the consensus usually goes something like this: "This is not the usual genre of music I play on my show, but..." And that's true of my show, too.
So then why is Raistalla the Featured Artist on Twirl this month? Because she ROCKS! And she has a great singing voice. And because I can't stop playing her infectious music on my radio show. It's too addictive.
Raistalla is an L.A.-based singer-songwriter and dancer (she's worked with Madonna and Outkast, among others) who released her self-titled debut album, Raistalla, this year. The album is divided into three parts, "Act I", "Act II", and "Epilogue". Many of the songs within each part blend seamlessly into the next, which is an effect not seen much in rock.
Her music generally sounds like what would happen if you took a voice that swims in the same vocal waters as Dionne Warwick's, add Beck's sound effects and production, and made the songs more driving and danceable. This is a true hybrid of rock and techno. We rock DJs usually don't see liner notes like these, where some of the songs are "produced and programmed". But there is enough guitar and bass, along with really driving percussion moving the songs forward, to satisfy the rock fans among us.
So rock fans, rejoice. Raistalla has just introduced you to a new genre of music!
Estrogeneration-Live365.com
Rick Brown
Date: 2006-10-30 03:57:18
http://www.live365.com/stations/evangelicabell
Infectious. That's the best word to describe your music. Our online station, Estrogeneration, doesn't normally play dance-oriented music, but rather, focuses heavily on mainstream rock (all female vocals). However, we make exceptions for music that grabs us, in order to punctuate the playlist so it doesn't sound all the same. Therefore, I'm downloading Feel Good, Long Way, Miami Sugar and Tonight. Normally, when I sample songs for potential airplay, I don't listen to them all the way through, in order to save time. I just hear a minute's worth and think, yup, that's good, I want it, and move on. But I couldn't turn these songs off before the final note. Again, infectious. Rick Brown Estrogeneration
BuddyHollywood
Mike Parker
August 31, 2006
http://www.buddyhollywood.com/index.php?option=com_
content&task=view&id=545&Itemid=70
RAISTALLA Debut Defies Categorization
Like an aerobics class on Red Bull, the eponymous debut project from funk-pop princess, Raistalla, will compel you to bust moves you never knew you had in you, and keep you on the dance floor long after you should have sat down. Defying easy categorizations this eleven-song collection skirts dangerously close to hiphop without committing to it; flirts with dancehall, gives a lick and a promise to R&B, pays homage to reggae and big band with a nod to Miami salsa.
READ MORE... http://www.buddyhollywood.com/index.php?option=com_
content&task=view&id=545&Itemid=70
The Scott English Show- Dallas, Texas
Scott English
July 21, 2006
Raistalla: Electro-Funk Singer/Songwriter
I have to admit that I was really quite surprised when I first heard tracks from this electro-funk artist's debut album. While being a genre I am not usually attracted to, I was immediately hooked by many of the tunes on Raistalla's self-titled CD. "Long Way" with its fun rhythm and upbeat styling. "Tonight" has a great dance feel about it and easy to get into. "Miami Sugar" is more in line with the Funk I am used too, but still manages to give of an alluring quality that makes you want to listen to more.
She seems filled with a boundless supply of energy and that transfers well. Her style is up-tempo party music.
A professional dancer, having worked for the likes of Madonna, Outkast, Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Christina Aguilera, she's now turned her talents to singing… and has made a promising initial foray.
Inside Connection Magazine
Chelsea Harmon
August 20, 2006
The intimate relationship between a dancer and the music he or she expresses through movement is a vital tool in composing pieces that allow the two facets of artistic creativity to shine. Appearing with stars like: Madonna, Outkast, Missy Elliot, Alicia Keys, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, Raistalla has taken her experiences as a professional dancer, and her talents as a singer and songwriter, to give way to the growing popularity of techno music in the United States.
"Long Way" balanced techno and electric influences to yield a high energy track that will get everyone out their sets and onto the floor. The up-beat tempo and witty lyrics team up, making this song a potential hit for pop fans as well. "Pressure" kept the ball rolling, with a psychedelic vibe similar to the style of Vanessa Dadu. "Clownin' Out" brought some R&B stylings into the mix. This slow jam incorporated rap, a techno beat, and a gospel style chorus to make this track a show stopper, or at least a top request.
NuFlavaMag.8m.COM
NuFlavaMag.8m- based in U.K.
June 20, 2006
http://nuflavamag.8m.com/jizdance.html
It was while browsing through the Electronica section on myspace.com that we fortunately came across this stylish and flamboyant artist Raistalla. This debut release has got the Red Bull energy pumped right into it for those loss energy moments. They say, never judge the book by it's cover quite right cause just by looking at this CD cover, you wouldn't have to as Raistalla introduces a new type of dance groove that stands above the ordinary. The project is divided into three namely; Act 1 (Tracks 1-7), Act 2 (Tracks 8-10) then Epilogue (Track 11). The full Electronica/Dance experience is no doubt witnessed in the Act 1 section. Raistalla is a young promising artist who is setting the path for other new and upcoming artists in her genre.
Highlite trackz: 1.2.6
Listening Rate: 8/10
Vocalz: 7/10
Production: 8/10
SYTHTOPIA.COM
SYTHTOPIA
Sept 2006
http://www.synthtopia.com/music_review/Raistalla_Raistalla.html
...Raistalla is full of hooks, retro dance sounds and imaginative production work Highlights of the CD include the singles Long Way, Tonight, Pressure & Feel Good. Raistalla bounces easily from style to style. On Pressure, Raistalla reimagines the classic dance grooves of Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones as if they were produced by Daft Punk. On Feel Good and Attention, she revisits 80's electro funk sounds, and on Tonight she explores more of a hypnotic house/trance groove.
READ MORE... http://www.synthtopia.com/music_review/Raistalla_Raistalla.html
