Beth Ditto‘s compelling version of “I’m Alive” is out today and available for download and streaming HERE. View the static video HERE. Max Factor has licensed the track for an international advertising campaign that will begin airing in the U.K. in February. Written by Tommy James, “I’m Alive” was first recorded in 1968 by R&B legend Johnny Thunder.
“Being alive is radical right now! So let’s live!” said Beth Ditto, who adds she was drawn to the song’s simple, elemental joy, which feels defiant in the darkness of the current social and political landscape.
Ditto will kick off her first tour of 2018 on March 7 in her home state of Arkansas, performing at Revolution Music Room in Little Rock. Tickets are on sale now for the North American run, which includes shows at New York’s Brooklyn Steel (March 14), The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA (March 23) and Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR (March 27). See below for itinerary or visit www.bethditto.com.
Hailed by NPR as the “force-of-nature performer best known for fronting the pop-punk group Gossip,” Ditto recently released her debut solo album, Fake Sugar (Virgin Records). The official video for “Fire,” which has over two million views, can be seen HERE. Other clips include “We Could Run” and the animated lyric video for “In And Out.”
In a four-star live review The Guardian said, “Ditto has said this is her southern record, and opener Oh My God kicks in with a funk-rock beat as she channels the mid-80s power vocals of Bonnie Tyler, complete with a front-of-stage electric fan to give her the perfect windswept look. On In and Out and Fake Sugar, she closes her eyes and draws out the tender trill in her voice, giving her the air of a heartbroken Nashville queen. And like Dolly Parton, Ditto alternates between infectiously warm, wisecracking comic and soul-baring torch singer.”
The Wall Street Journal included Fake Sugarin its round-up of “The Best Music of 2017” and observed, “Great pop for grownups is a rare commodity…Beth Ditto delivers.” The New York Times praised Ditto as a”powerhouse singer” and noted that the album’s songs”have stomp and girl-group melodies, Southernisms in their lyrics and garage-rock swagger.” Paperchristened Ditto “rock’s homecoming queen” while People highlighted Fake Sugar as one of its “Picks,” observing, “Whether it’s a glittering stomper (‘Oo La La’) or stripped-down Stevie Nicks homage (the title track), Ditto shines throughout…”
In addition to releasing six acclaimed albums with the Gossip, Ditto has recorded with such artists as Blondie and disco legend Cerrone, collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier on her eponymous plus-sized luxury clothing line, modeled for Marc Jacobs. She appears in the new Gus Van Sant film, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot, which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival today.
