Fresh off a brief sabbatical, Nelly Furtado unveils a new album, record label and a penchant for belting ’em out en español

As stylists, make-up artists, managers, label reps, publicists and latte-wielding assistants mill around a cramped hotel suite, I can’t help but think the obvious: all these people are gathered here to realize one woman’s vision. And we’re reminded that she’ll be arriving any minute. Given that we’re talking about Nelly Furtado here, one can safely assume she isn’t holding us up because of any celebrity-induced affectation or to squeeze in an extra half-hour of full-body Shiatsu. The Canadian musician of Portuguese descent didn’t exactly build her eclectic, thriving career by indulging a larger-than-life persona.

Often described as “genuine,” Furtado first burst onto the scene at the turn of the century with the refreshingly folksy mish-mash of sounds that was Whoa, Nelly!, a timely counterpoint to the derivative diva ditties, nu-metal and pop-punk that had hijacked the airwaves. Nine years after “I’m Like a Bird,” that initial Grammy and her first tour (opening for U2, no less), she could have long since faded into obscurity, as happens to many young contenders thrust into the limelight. (O-Town, Good Charlotte, Michelle Branch and fellow namesake Nelly, anyone?) But those kids had evanescent appeal, whereas Furtado has continually reinvented herself. And that cautionary tale of precocious stardom couldn’t be further from Furtado’s reality, as she’s just coming off her most colossal triumph yet, the seductive and groovyLoose– one of 2007’s top-selling albums, certified platinum in 18 countries.

Yet her success hasn’t chipped away at her invariably genial disposition. Upon walking into the bustling room, she greets everyone with a beaming smile and warm handshakes. She exudes that girl-next-door, naturally gorgeous glow, made all the more radiant by her infectious giggle and eyes that could charm their way through a hostage situation. So when the well-mannered Furtado politely asks for a few minutes to attack her shrimp salad before we begin, how could I say no?

Say It Right

A few minutes to scarf down your greens is all you get when you’re set to release your first Spanish-language album concurrently in all of Universal Music’s 77 territories worldwide – a move being touted as the most ambitious Spanish-language release ever for a mainstream star – and your own label (Nelstar Music) is responsible for delivering all creative components, from album and videos to artwork. That creative control comes at a price, but it’s also non-negotiable for Furtado who has spent her career overseeing decisions about her image. “I think whatever is totally homemade, you’re always more proud of,” she says with unabashed enthusiasm, in reference to her new album Mi Plan. “Aren’t you more proud of the homemade chocolate-chip cookies than the ones you bought at the store for the party? You can offer them up with so much pride!”

The idea for a full-length in Spanish – her third language, which she learned in high school and now speaks with her Cuban-American husband – came about very naturally when Furtado hit a writer’s block in the studio. Her friend, Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba suggested shifting linguistic gears.

Border-Smashing Folklore

“Every time I’d travel around and see fans in the audience who perhaps don’t even speak English singing along to all my songs with partially incorrect lyrics, I’d realize that they’re there for the feeling,” Furtado explains. “It’s not so much about the lyrics or the language, it’s about the emotion, the whole package.” And before she could shout ¡ándale!, she had assembled a who’s who of top-notch Latin musicians to contribute to the project, from Mexican crooner Alejandro Fernández to bachata legend Juan Luis Guerra, and even Josh Groban to boot. A gutsy move – especially considering she evaluates her Spanish fluency at 50-60% – but one that befits Furtado’s relentless craving for new challenges.

“I think that any career that someone pursues, there’s always a desire to get better, to learn,” she says. “Everybody wants that extra credential on their business card, they want to go to that seminar, they want to challenge themselves. And I’m no different, I take my job seriously and I love it! I love being a musician. Music brings me so much joy that I think I just have a desire to share that joy with people.”

Remember the Days

The result is a more personal, funky and acoustic sound that hearkens back to her debut. Gone are the theatrics of Loose and the femme fatale character that Furtado embodied so convincingly that some criticized what they saw as an attempt to sex up her image. But Furtado is clearly not in the business of making such calculated career moves, viewing her artistic evolution as a very organic process, determined by her emotional state at the time of recording.

“I remember riding in the back seat of my mom’s car when I was about four years old, staring out the window, and I had symphonies in my head. Like, complete orchestral symphonies! And it would never end! I never really understood where they came from, but before you knew it, I was filling notebooks and journals with songs because I just had to get it out. So I think that because music is my language, it’s always very natural for me to morph and change. Whatever I’m going through in life always gets reflected in the music, so stylistically I’ve never had any boundaries, I’ve always seen music as very universal.”

As much as Furtado is wholly driven by her craft, her appreciation for some well-earned time off confirms my suspicions that deep down she’s just like us mere mortals. Respite came in the form of an entire year off, after what she describes as the “glammed-out Loosetour, which was fun, but high heels, you know?”

“We had been celebrating the success of the album, every awards show, every number one. We’d toast [with] a lot of champagne.” If there’s an ounce of truth to that, chances are Furtado & Co. boozed their way through the year, with chart-topping hits to check off in too many countries to list here.

“I took a one-year sabbatical where I did nothing – I went to the park with my daughter [Nevis, now six], we ate chicken noodle soup and I took her to school! So the second year I started writing Mi Plan, and I found that a lot of the topics on the album were taken from simple everyday life. They’re love songs too. But regular ones, like I love you, period, not I love you, but!”

Her Plan

And what rewards a decade’s worth of hard work will reap. The small-town girl from Victoria, who moved to Hogtown to “aprovechar” as she tells me, “to make the most of the scene and get involved artistically,” is now in a position to impart wisdom from lessons learned to those doe-eyed newbies still marvelling at the thought of their names on a marquee somewhere. “I can never be a new artist again but I can hang around new artists and feel the buzz,” she says, giggling.

She’s adamant about supporting the city’s lively cultural scene and didn’t beat around the bush when it came to making Toronto’s glamtronic quartet Fritz Helder & The Phantoms the first act signed to Nelstar Music. “We had a showcase for them in New York, and when they heard about the people who were in the crowd – Marc Jacobs, Madonna’s producer Stuart Price, Ali from A Tribe Called Quest – their faces just lit up! I remembered my first showcases in LA and New York and that excitement, that ‘aha!’ moment, and it’s so fulfilling to be around.”

Moments before taking off for this magazine’s photo shoot, she gives me a quick rundown of what’s in store in the short term – and we’re not even talking about the Spanish release! Chief among those projects is some kind of English release (with producing maven Timbaland, of course) for 2010. And as we compare notes on our darling musicians du jour (she singles out Robyn, I respond with Lykke Li), she has nothing but hopeful words about the direction currently being taken by mainstream music. “I like that a lot of artists right now are multilayered and not so pigeonholed. I like that music right now is very fusion, very eclectic. Because when I started out, everything was based on this old rock model. So it’s really refreshing now that everybody’s iPod is so diverse. The doors are wide open.”


By:
Michael-Oliver Harding

LONDON - Nelly Furtado has confessed that she would not mind dropping her layers for Playboy on her 40th birthday.

The Canadian-Portuguese singer revealed the magazine’s boss Hugh Hefner had offered her a huge deal nine years ago when she was 22.

The star said she had turned down the offer then but may not do so again.

“The magazine was even prepared to offer me 500,000 dollars, (but) I didn’t want Playboy on my resume at the age of 22,” the Daily Express quoted her as saying.

“If they ask when I’m 40, I’ll probably say yes,” she added. (ANI)

Hey everybody !!

This year, I had the opportunity to perform in the ALMA AWARDS! as you all know the first time I sang in the ALMA’s was with Juanes a couple of years ago! We sang together Fotografía!! And it was amazing!!! This year I had the great opportunity to sing my new single in Spanish: MANOS AL AIRE!!

I have to confess I felt a mixture of sensations before getting to the stage! I felt nervous, anxious and exited at the same time!! We were ready to make peace and surrender to Love!

Hope you were able to see the performance it was really cool! We all enjoy it a lot and as always hopping you did too!

The day has arrived, I have to tell you that this has been the longest five days of my life!! I’m so anxious that I haven’t slept at all!! Finally MI PLAN, my first Spanish album, is out and now I’m just waiting for your reactions to it! I’m hopping you love the songs; I really tried to make each one special and different, every word has a significant meaning and they really transport me to different places! This album was a great adventure, specially the songs that I sang featuring all those HUGE singers! So now I’m waiting for you guys to comment and enjoy! Please tell me which one is your favorite!!

Hey guys !
Its been so long since I last blogged i know , I'm in debt with all of you, I promise to work hard for my blog- a- day, but the new album has taken all my time away! I'm immersed in photo shoots, rehearsals, travels and lots of stress having everything ready for the BIG day!!

I wanted to thank each one of you for the comments and all the support you've been given me day after day!

We're just few days away from my new album release and this part is tough, despite the hard work and effort this album has demanded from everyone working in it, my fan's support is the most important, knowing that this new album is for all of you, I'm wishing that you enjoy it as much as i've had.

i'm counting the days, and i'm ready to read all the comments i hope you'll write!!



Hola todos!
Ha pasado mucho tiempo desde la última vez que escribí, sé que estoy en deuda con ustedes, pero el nuevo álbum se ha robado todo mi tiempo, los photo shoots, ensayos y viajes para lograr que todo esté listo para el GRAN día.

Quiero agradecerles por los comentarios y el apoyo, lo más importante son ustedes, porque de lo contrario no hubiera sido posible. Ojalá lo disfruten tanto como yo!! Espero que me escriban!

“MANOS AL AIRE” ES NÚMERO UNO POR SEGUNDA SEMANA CONSECUTIVA EN EL LISTADO HOT LATIN SONGS PUBLICADO EN LA REVISTA BILLBOARD

“MANOS AL AIRE” TAMBIÉN DOMINA LOS LISTADOS DE RADIO EN ALEMANIA, ITALIA, COLOMBIA, CHILE, ARGENTINA, TODO CENTROAMÉRICA, MEXICO Y ESPAÑA



NELLY FURTADO COMIENZA INTENSA GIRA PROMOCIONAL EL PRÓXIMO DOMINGO 13 DE SEPTIEMBRE CUANDO PRESENTE UN PREMIO EN LOS MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS DESDE NEW YORK QUE SERÁ TRANSMITIDO POR MTV A NIVEL MUNDIAL



Miami, FL. Sept 8, 2009. La cantante, compositora y productora canadiense-portuguesa Nelly Furtado consolida su conquista de la radio latina en Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico al lograr el NÚMERO UNO del Hot Latin Songs de Billboard por SEGUNDA SEMANA CONSECUTIVA con “MANOS AL AIRE”, primer sencillo de su cuarto álbum de estudio y primero en español MI PLAN.



“Manos al Aire” es una canción de Nelly Furtado y el músico y compositor cubano-canadiense Alex Cuba, que fue pensada y creada en español, como todo el disco Mi Plan. Con un sonido acústico-pop, líricamente es un tema que habla de vulnerabilidad y de rendición ante los problemas que complican las relaciones de pareja.



“Manos Al Aire” se ha afianzado en la cima de las listas de radio latinas y es una de las canciones más escuchadas en los clubes y discotecas en Estados Unidos y Europa, gracias a remixes dance de DJs del más alto prestigio mundial, como Tiesto y Robbie Rivera.



El nuevo álbum de Nelly Furtado,Mi Plan, será lanzado a la venta el 14 de Septiembre en más de 50 países y el 15 de Septiembre en Estados Unidos. La carta de presentación, "Manos Al Aire", también domina los listados de radio en Alemania, Italia, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, todo Centroamérica, México y España.

Nelly Furtado, quien siempre se ha caracterizado por la diversidad, experimentación y el estilo único de su música, invitó a participar en Mi Plan a un destacado grupo de estrellas internacionales de distintos géneros, como Alejandro Fernandez, Josh Groban, Juan Luis Guerra, Julieta Venegas, La Mala Rodríguez, Buika y Alex Cuba, quienes imprimen un toque muy especial al disco. Nelly ha estado muy ligada a la música latina desde sus inicios, en el 2002 hizo un dueto con Juanes en el tema "Fotografía", mismo que llegó al número uno en 12 países, incluyendo Estados Unidos. También ha realizado colaboraciones con artistas como Calle 13 y Wisin y Yandel.



A partir del 13 de Septiembre, Nelly comenzará una intensa gira de promoción, presentándose en diversos programas de TV anglo y latino de Estados Unidos, y también visitará varios países europeos como Alemania, Francia, España e Inglaterra.



Nelly Furtado ha vendido más de 18 millones de discos en su carrera, de los cuales casi 10 millones corresponden a su más reciente álbum, Loose, que fue el disco con mayores ventas a nivel global en 2007.



Visita www.nellyfurtadoenespanol.com


Fuente:
Universal Music Latino

2nd CONSECUTIVE WEEK #1 ON BILLBOARD’S HOT LATIN SONGS CHART

“MANOS AL AIRE” ALSO TOPS THE RADIO CHARTS IN GERMANY, ITALY,

COLOMBIA, CHILE, ARGENTINA, CENTRAL AMERICA, MEXICO AND SPAIN



NELLY FURTADO KICKS OFF AN INTENSE PROMO TOUR ON SUNDAY SEPT 13TH, WHEN SHE WILL PRESENT AN AWARD AT THE MTV VMAS, TO BE BROADCASTED LIVE WORLDWIDE FROM NEW YORK



Miami, FL. Sept 8, 2009. Canadian-portuguese singer, songwriter and producer Nelly Furtado firmly holds the top Latin radio spot in the the United States and Puerto Rico. "MANOS AL AIRE" is NUMBER ONE for the SECOND CONSECUTIVE WEEK on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. This song is the lead single off MI PLAN, her fourth studio album and first completely done in Spanish.



“Manos al Aire” was composed by Nelly Furtado and the Cuban-Canadian musician and songwriter Alex Cuba. The song was originally created in Spanish, as well as the rest of the tracks included in the album Mi Plan. "Manos al Aire" has an acoustic-pop sound, and it talks about vulnerability and surrender when facing troubles in a relationship.



“Manos Al Aire” is not only the most played song on U.S. Latin radio, but is also one of the season’s biggest hits in clubs across the U.S. and Europe, with amazing remixes by world renowned Tiesto and Robbie Rivera.



Nelly Furtado’s upcoming album Mi Plan will be released on September 14th in more than 50 countries and on September 15th in the U.S. The first single, “Manos Al Aire,” also tops the radio charts in Germany, Italy, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Central America, Mexico and Spain.



Nelly Furtado, who is known for wide-ranging musical taste and her interest in different cultures, on this album has invited a select group of international artists from diverse genres, such Alejandro Fernandez, Josh Groban, Juan Luis Guerra, Julieta Venegas, La Mala Rodriguez, Buika and Alex Cuba, which have all contributed by adding a special touch to the album. Nelly has always had a connection with Latin music; in 2002 she recorded a duet with Juanes, on the song "Fotografia," which peaked to number one in 12 countries including the US. She has also collaborated with top Latin artists Calle 13 and Wisin y Yandel.



On September 13th, Nelly will start an intense promo tour, which will take her to the most important Latin and American TV shows in the U.S., as well as promo in European countries such as Germany, France, Spain and England.



Nelly Furtado has sold over 18 million albums in her career, with close to 10 million in sales from her last album “Loose,” which was the #1 global seller in 2007.



For more information, visit: www.nellyfurtadoenespanol.com



By:
Universal Music Latino

Con tan sólo el primer sencillo de su álbum “MI PLAN”, a lanzarse el 15 de septiembre, Nelly ha recibido las 2 nominaciones más importantes de esta premiación: Canción del Año y Video Del Año, por su éxito mundial,
“MANOS AL AIRE”

MANOS AL AIRE recien alcanzo el NUMERO UNO de radio en Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Es la primera vez que un artista anglo logra esto con una cancion que fue creada originalmente en español

Miami, FL, Septiembre 2, 2009.- El día de ayer se dieron a conocer los nominados a los Premios MTV Latinoamérica ’09. Este año, las ceremonias de premiación se realizarán en múltiples ciudades de Latinoamérica y los Estados Unidos. Bogotá y Los Ángeles son las primeras sedes confirmadas de la 8º ceremonia de Los Premios.

Los Premios se transmitirán en vivo el 15 de octubre de 2009 en la Ciudad de Los Ángeles. Los ganadores son escogidos por los fans votando en línea en la página de www.MTVLA.com

“Mi Plan”, cuarto álbum en la carrera de Nelly Furtado, y primero completamente en español, se lanza a la venta a nivel internacional el 15 de Septiembre.


Fuente:
Universal Music Latino

“Bajo Otra Luz” forma parte de “Mi Plan”, cuarto álbum de estudio de NELLY FURTADO y primero completamente en español, que será lanzado el 15 de Septiembre a nivel mundial.

Miami, FL – Septiembre 1, 2009: En una acción innovadora dentro del género Latino, iTunes, el sitio de descargas más grande del mundo, lanzó la promoción “Countdown To” con NELLY FURTADO el pasado 21 de Julio. La promoción consiste en ofrecer tres canciones de “Mi Plan” previo al lanzamiento del álbum el 15 de Septiembre. El primer corte lanzado fue “Más”, el segundo fue “Mi Plan” (dueto con Alex Cuba), temas que han tenido excelente aceptación por parte del público de Nelly. Hoy toca el turno a “Bajo Otra Luz”, tercer y último corte de esta promoción. En el tema participan la mexicana Julieta Venegas y la española María “La Mala” Rodríguez, quienes imprimieron en el tema sus muy personales estilos.

Fue en Miami donde las tres artistas se dieron cita en el estudio para grabar su colaboración. “La música de Julieta tiene un toque muy especial, me sentí muy afortunada de que me enviara su canción”, comentó Nelly. Y sobra “La Mala”, recalcó: “Cuando “La Mala” se plantó ante el micrófono, yo no podía dejar de sorprenderme”.

La sesión fue una experiencia de lo más divertida y enriquecedora. Ambas artistas invitadas se sintieron muy agradecidas de esta invitación. “Me emocioné mucho cuando escuché a Nelly cantando una canción que yo había compuesto, porque desde su primer disco la he admirado por su estilo único y su voz llena de frescura y personalidad”, expresó Julieta. Mientras que “La Mala” comentó: “Ha sido un placer para mí formar parte de esta canción; los momentos que compartimos en el estudio fueron estupendos”.

La promoción de iTunes “Countdown To” ha permitido a los fans de Nelly Furtado poder tener algunos avances de lo que será “Mi Plan”, un álbum que como sus trabajos anteriores, refleja su gran diversidad musical y único estilo, y el cual sale a la venta a nivel internacional el 15 de Septiembre.

En la compra de una de las canciones de Nelly Furtado dentro de la promoción “Countdown To” de iTunes, y del álbum "Mi Plan" dentro de las dos semanas siguientes al lanzamiento, recibe un track exclusivo.


Fuente:
Universal Music Latino

“Bajo Otra Luz” is included in “Mi Plan”, Nelly Furtado’s fourth studio album and first completely done in Spanish, due for international release on September 15th

Miami, FL – September 1st, 2009.- iTunes, the world's #1 online music store, kicked off on July 21st the "Countdown To" promotion with Nelly Furtado's upcoming album "Mi Plan", in an innovative move within the Latin Genre. The promotion offers three exclusive pre-album release tracks from "Mi Plan", due to launch on September 15th. The first two tracks released on the promotion were “Mas” and “Mi Plan” (featuring Alex Cuba), songs which have had great reception. Today, the 3rd and final track, “Bajo Otra Luz”, featuring Mexican singer songwriter, Julieta Venegas, and the talented María “La Mala” Rodríguez from Spain is released as part of the iTunes “Countdown to” promotion.

The three artists met at the recording studio in Miami and Nelly was very pleased to count with both guest stars: “Everything I love about music, Julieta’s music has; I felt very honored that she gave me this song”, commented Nelly. Nelly was equally as excited about the collaboration with La Mala Rodriguez, as she hadn’t had the chance to meet her before. “When La Mala got in front of the microphone, wow! I was so surprised!”, Nelly expressed.

The studio session was a great experience for the three artists, not only did they record an amazing track, they had fun doing it and getting to know a little bit more about one another along the way. “I was so excited to hear Nelly singing a song I had written at my home, I’ve always admired her unique style and powerful voice”, commented Julieta. Before going back to Spain, La Mala said: “It has been such a pleasure being part of this song; we had a great time together”.

iTunes Countdown To promotion has allowed Nelly’s fans to learn a bit more about her upcoming album “Mi Plan”, to be released internationally on September 15th.

Purchase one of the “Countdown To” tracks and buy Nelly Furtado’s album, “Mi Plan” within the first two weeks of its release and receive an exclusive track.


By:
Universal Music Latino