A couple months after making the announcement via his own personal Twitter, UK singer/songwriter Olly Murs‘ U.S. label, Columbia Records confirmed the news by way of an official press release. The label proceeded to confirm both Murs’ signing as well as announcing his first U.S. single, a new version of the UK #1, “Heart Skips A Beat,” featuring American hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang, due May 22nd (iTunes U.S.), and debut album due out in the Fall. Listen to “Heart Skips A Beat” BELOW.
The release of Murs’ debut U.S. single comes at the perfect time, right before he embarks on a U.S. tour opening for the UK boyband juggernaut known as One Direction. Murs’ sunny brand of pop mixed with singer/songwriter, mixed with hip hop and soul should complement One Direction‘s equally cheery variety of up-tempo boyband fare. Since Murs’ new “Heart Skips a Beat” re-fix made it’s way online, UK fans have been critical, comparing it to the original version which featured English hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks. Obviously, when you remake an original, there are going to be comparisons. It was inevitable!
“I can’t wait to come over to the US to tour with the One Direction boys and release my first single there!” said Olly Murs. “‘Heart Skips A Beat’ is a favorite of mine and my fans, and I hope you guys will love it too.”
Check out the (SOLD OUT) tour dates BELOW for Olly Murs and One Direction and get ready to download “Heart Skips A Beat” on iTunes May 22nd, followed by Murs’ debut U.S. album in the Fall. I’ve also included the original video for the Rizzle Kicks-assisted original just for comparisons sake. Enjoy!
Tour Dates w/ One Direction:
1-Jun//Detroit, MI//Fox Theatre
2-Jun//Chicago, IL//Allstate Arena
8-Jun//San Diego, CA//Viejas Arena
9- Jun//Las Vegas, NV//Planet Hollywood
10-Jun//Phoenix, AZ//Comerica Theatre
13-Jun//San Jose, CA//Events Center
14-Jun//Oakland, CA//Paramount Theatre
16-Jun//Los Angeles, CA//Gibson Amphitheatre
17-Jun//Anaheim, CA//The Theatre At Honda Center
23-Jun//Dallas, TX//Gexa Energy Pavilion
24-Jun//Houston, TX//Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
26-Jun//Atlanta, GA//The Arena At Gwinett Center
27-Jun//Charlotte, NC//Time Warner Cable Arena
29-Jun//Tampa, FL//1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre
30-Jun//Orlando, FL//Amway Center
1-Jul//Ft. Lauderdale, FL//Bank Atlantic Center