Music News
Music News
Lil Kim wants a cameo role on 'Empire'.
The 40-year-old rapper is a big fan of the hip-hop music industry drama and its star Taraji P. Henson - who plays reformed drug pusher and show matriarch Cookie Lyon - thinks a guest appearance from the singer would "break the Internet".
Taraji explained how Kim had direct messaged her on Twitter to ask about a guest role after learning she was Cookie's hero.
She added: "I was like, 'Trust me girl, I'm working on it.' That would break the internet."
If Kim does get a guest role, she will follow in the footsteps of Courtney Love and Naomi Campbell and Taraji was particularly impressed by the supermodel.
She said: "She was pretty down-to-earth. I complimented her on her shoes and, two days later, a pair arrived for me. But she didn't tell me where she got that hair from! That's all right Miss Naomi, I understand girl!"
Taraji admits she is stunned by some of the topics covered in the daring drama, which was created by Lee Daniels.
She told Grazia magazine: "When I read the script I couldn't believe a prime-time network was going to put it on TV.
"When we began filming, Lee would say, 'Oh my God, what are we doing?' And I'd reply, 'I don't know, but I'm glad to be part of it.' "
Lil Kim wants Empire role
Lil Kim wants a cameo role on 'Empire'.
The 40-year-old rapper is a big fan of the hip-hop music industry drama and its star Taraji P. Henson - who plays reformed drug pusher and show matriarch Cookie Lyon - thinks a guest appearance from the singer would "break the Internet".
Taraji explained how Kim had direct messaged her on Twitter to ask about a guest role after learning she was Cookie's hero.
She added: "I was like, 'Trust me girl, I'm working on it.' That would break the internet."
If Kim does get a guest role, she will follow in the footsteps of Courtney Love and Naomi Campbell and Taraji was particularly impressed by the supermodel.
She said: "She was pretty down-to-earth. I complimented her on her shoes and, two days later, a pair arrived for me. But she didn't tell me where she got that hair from! That's all right Miss Naomi, I understand girl!"
Taraji admits she is stunned by some of the topics covered in the daring drama, which was created by Lee Daniels.
She told Grazia magazine: "When I read the script I couldn't believe a prime-time network was going to put it on TV.
"When we began filming, Lee would say, 'Oh my God, what are we doing?' And I'd reply, 'I don't know, but I'm glad to be part of it.' "
Music News
Markus Feehily is not in contact with his old Westlife bandmates.
The singer insists he doesn't "hate" Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, or Kian Egan but they are all leading separate lives now they are no longer a part of the group.
He explained to BANG Showbiz: "We don't keep in touch as much as we used to. People just assume that means we must hate each other. One day people will believe it.
"It would be much more exciting if I said I hated them but it's not the case. The boring fact is we all like each other.
"I don't have a bad word to say about any of the Westlife lads. We all live in different cities if not different countries."
The 'Love is a Drug' singer thinks it is normal for them not to be in constant contact any more as they are able to focus on themselves and their own careers for the first time.
He said: "The difference is we all gave each other 100% for so long, now we are giving ourselves as individuals a 100%. That means we are not giving ourselves up to be quarter of a team anymore.
"We are focusing on our lives. Of course that means we don't see each other as much. But there is no badness."
And Markus doesn't think he will be working with any of his former bandmates again any time soon.
He added: Someone asked me if I'd like to do a duet with Shane and I was like, I've pretty much duetted with Shane for 14 years. I don't think any is going to be working with each other.
"We are all on our first album or this that and the other.
"But, I've always loved singing with the lads and that's something that wouldn't change if I sang with them again."
Markus' new single 'Love Is A Drug' is out now and his solo LP is due for release later this year.
Markus Feehily not in contact with Westlife
Markus Feehily is not in contact with his old Westlife bandmates.
The singer insists he doesn't "hate" Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, or Kian Egan but they are all leading separate lives now they are no longer a part of the group.
He explained to BANG Showbiz: "We don't keep in touch as much as we used to. People just assume that means we must hate each other. One day people will believe it.
"It would be much more exciting if I said I hated them but it's not the case. The boring fact is we all like each other.
"I don't have a bad word to say about any of the Westlife lads. We all live in different cities if not different countries."
The 'Love is a Drug' singer thinks it is normal for them not to be in constant contact any more as they are able to focus on themselves and their own careers for the first time.
He said: "The difference is we all gave each other 100% for so long, now we are giving ourselves as individuals a 100%. That means we are not giving ourselves up to be quarter of a team anymore.
"We are focusing on our lives. Of course that means we don't see each other as much. But there is no badness."
And Markus doesn't think he will be working with any of his former bandmates again any time soon.
He added: Someone asked me if I'd like to do a duet with Shane and I was like, I've pretty much duetted with Shane for 14 years. I don't think any is going to be working with each other.
"We are all on our first album or this that and the other.
"But, I've always loved singing with the lads and that's something that wouldn't change if I sang with them again."
Markus' new single 'Love Is A Drug' is out now and his solo LP is due for release later this year.
Music News
Conor Maynard wants to duet with Zayn Malik.
The 22-year-old singer recently met the former One Direction hunk in the recording studio while he was working on solo material and thinks he has an "amazing" voice.
Conor said: "I met Zayn today - he was at the studio with Naughty Boy working on new music. He seemed very quiet but really nice.
"Would I like to work with him? He's got an amazing voice, so that'd be really cool. It's funny - One Direction fans once made up a fake track list and one of them was a duet between Zayn and me so maybe it's meant to be."
However, Conor isn't sure if Zayn would share his excitement.
He added: "It might be pretty awkward though - before today, the only communication I'd had with him was when someone Tweeted him to ask who he preferred out of me and Justin Bieber - and he said Bieber!"
The 'Talking About' singer thinks Zayn's departure from the 'Little Things' group was inevitable.
He told Now magazine: "I think him leaving One Direction had to happen at some point. When he left they were absolutely killing it - it's not like they're on a downward spiral, so it shows he wasn't in it for the money.
"It must have felt like the time was up on that era of his life. It must have been really stressful for him."
Conor Maynard wants Zayn Malik duet
Conor Maynard wants to duet with Zayn Malik.
The 22-year-old singer recently met the former One Direction hunk in the recording studio while he was working on solo material and thinks he has an "amazing" voice.
Conor said: "I met Zayn today - he was at the studio with Naughty Boy working on new music. He seemed very quiet but really nice.
"Would I like to work with him? He's got an amazing voice, so that'd be really cool. It's funny - One Direction fans once made up a fake track list and one of them was a duet between Zayn and me so maybe it's meant to be."
However, Conor isn't sure if Zayn would share his excitement.
He added: "It might be pretty awkward though - before today, the only communication I'd had with him was when someone Tweeted him to ask who he preferred out of me and Justin Bieber - and he said Bieber!"
The 'Talking About' singer thinks Zayn's departure from the 'Little Things' group was inevitable.
He told Now magazine: "I think him leaving One Direction had to happen at some point. When he left they were absolutely killing it - it's not like they're on a downward spiral, so it shows he wasn't in it for the money.
"It must have felt like the time was up on that era of his life. It must have been really stressful for him."
Music News
Keith Richards was "40 per cent drugs" while making 'Sticky Fingers'.
The Rolling Stones guitarist caused concern with his habit while recording their 1971 LP, with those close to the band admitting he was using narcotics "just to exist".
The group's financial manager, Ronnie Schneider, said: "Keith at the time was maybe 60 per cent music and 40 per cent drugs. You start off taking them for your own enjoyment, but eventually you're taking them just to exist. Keith did it all."
And Ronnie knew the easiest way to contact his client in those days was to seek out his drug dealers.
He added to NME magazine: "There were times when if I wanted to contact him, I'd have to go through his dealers to find him."
However, while Keith showing up for recording sessions "wasted" caused some problems, his bandmates Sir Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman didn't share his issues.
The record's assistant engineer, Chris Kimsey, said: "Keith was occasionally wasted. But Mick wasn't nor Charlie and Bill."
And Chris learned a lot while working on the LP.
He added: "The big thing I learnt about working with the Stones was the magic of recording as a band, not doing things separately."
Keith Richards was ’40 per cent drugs’
Keith Richards was "40 per cent drugs" while making 'Sticky Fingers'.
The Rolling Stones guitarist caused concern with his habit while recording their 1971 LP, with those close to the band admitting he was using narcotics "just to exist".
The group's financial manager, Ronnie Schneider, said: "Keith at the time was maybe 60 per cent music and 40 per cent drugs. You start off taking them for your own enjoyment, but eventually you're taking them just to exist. Keith did it all."
And Ronnie knew the easiest way to contact his client in those days was to seek out his drug dealers.
He added to NME magazine: "There were times when if I wanted to contact him, I'd have to go through his dealers to find him."
However, while Keith showing up for recording sessions "wasted" caused some problems, his bandmates Sir Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman didn't share his issues.
The record's assistant engineer, Chris Kimsey, said: "Keith was occasionally wasted. But Mick wasn't nor Charlie and Bill."
And Chris learned a lot while working on the LP.
He added: "The big thing I learnt about working with the Stones was the magic of recording as a band, not doing things separately."
Music News
Iggy Azalea refused to dance in her new music video because she thought it would be "obnoxious".
The 'Fancy' hitmaker was encouraged by her 'Pretty Girls' collaborator Britney Spears to join her and perform a little number during their music video but she politely declined.
She said: "I didn't dance! She wanted me to. Since I was co-directing the video, the way I explained it was, it would be kind of obnoxious for me to direct a video and give myself a dance break as well.
"Like, 'Here's the video! And I gave myself a dance scene!' I don't know if it necessarily fits my identity, but I think Britney's identity is really embedded in being a dancer, and that's something she really wanted to do as well. So there's a lot of dancing in the video, but I wouldn't say it's centred around that."
And the 24-year-old singer also let slip a few details about the highly anticipated video, revealing it is inspired by the 1980s.
She told USA Today: "You know me, I like having a narrative. So if it was just like, '80s!' that would be kind of boring for me. But what Britney made clear to me is that she really wanted to do a video where she got to dress up and play a character.
"I think Geena Davis just like the ultimate '80s pin-up hot, cool type of girl, so I told Britney to check her out, and she was like, 'Yes, I love Geena Davis!' So we based our characters on a lot of stuff like that. But there's definitely a narrative. I don't want to give it away, but it's quirky and funny."
Iggy Azalea’s dance refusal
Iggy Azalea refused to dance in her new music video because she thought it would be "obnoxious".
The 'Fancy' hitmaker was encouraged by her 'Pretty Girls' collaborator Britney Spears to join her and perform a little number during their music video but she politely declined.
She said: "I didn't dance! She wanted me to. Since I was co-directing the video, the way I explained it was, it would be kind of obnoxious for me to direct a video and give myself a dance break as well.
"Like, 'Here's the video! And I gave myself a dance scene!' I don't know if it necessarily fits my identity, but I think Britney's identity is really embedded in being a dancer, and that's something she really wanted to do as well. So there's a lot of dancing in the video, but I wouldn't say it's centred around that."
And the 24-year-old singer also let slip a few details about the highly anticipated video, revealing it is inspired by the 1980s.
She told USA Today: "You know me, I like having a narrative. So if it was just like, '80s!' that would be kind of boring for me. But what Britney made clear to me is that she really wanted to do a video where she got to dress up and play a character.
"I think Geena Davis just like the ultimate '80s pin-up hot, cool type of girl, so I told Britney to check her out, and she was like, 'Yes, I love Geena Davis!' So we based our characters on a lot of stuff like that. But there's definitely a narrative. I don't want to give it away, but it's quirky and funny."
Music News
Charli XCX says champagne helps her keep up her stamina.
The 'Boom Clap' hitmaker has admitted a glass off bubbly will keep her going whilst touring all over the world.
When asked how she keeps up the pace on her international tours, she said: "I'm not really sure. I'm running on empty right now. But champagne helps."
The 22-year-old singer may have found worldwide success following the release of her latest album 'Sucker' but the star is far from complacent.
When questioned if she ever had any worries about not being able to carve out a career in music, she added: "Totally. Constantly. It's a rollercoaster. You never know what's coming next."
And Charli particularly enjoys seeing her fans whilst out on tour and recalled a special moment when she spent the day with one of her loyal supporters who was very ill.
Speaking to VH1, she said: "I did a hospital visit once whilst I was on tour. I went to see this little girl who was a fan of mine but who was so sick that she was going to pass away. It was really moving.
"I went to see her to hang out with her for a bit and obviously there was nothing I could do but it was nice for us to be happy together for a moment or two."
Charli XCX: Champagne keeps me going
Charli XCX says champagne helps her keep up her stamina.
The 'Boom Clap' hitmaker has admitted a glass off bubbly will keep her going whilst touring all over the world.
When asked how she keeps up the pace on her international tours, she said: "I'm not really sure. I'm running on empty right now. But champagne helps."
The 22-year-old singer may have found worldwide success following the release of her latest album 'Sucker' but the star is far from complacent.
When questioned if she ever had any worries about not being able to carve out a career in music, she added: "Totally. Constantly. It's a rollercoaster. You never know what's coming next."
And Charli particularly enjoys seeing her fans whilst out on tour and recalled a special moment when she spent the day with one of her loyal supporters who was very ill.
Speaking to VH1, she said: "I did a hospital visit once whilst I was on tour. I went to see this little girl who was a fan of mine but who was so sick that she was going to pass away. It was really moving.
"I went to see her to hang out with her for a bit and obviously there was nothing I could do but it was nice for us to be happy together for a moment or two."
Music News
The Chemical Brothers have announced the release of their new album.
The duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons are set to release their eighth LP - their first in five years - entitled 'Born In The Echoes', on July 17.
To coincide with their summer appearances at Glastonbury, Sonar and Bestival, the band have unveiled details about the 11-track album, which promises machine driven music from one of the world's most famous electronic music duos.
Packed with collaborations with some top names including Grammy Award winner Beck and 'Digital Witness' hitmaker St. Vincent, the album promises music which is sure to excite and impress fans of the group.
The band also dropped the audio for their first single from the album, 'Sometimes I Feel So Deserted', a rhythm track which leads the way with its Escher-esque style.
During the band's hiatus, they were honoured with an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection in recognition of their "innovative and popular songwriting".
The duo also recorded a track with Lorde and Miguel for 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' soundtrack as well as creating music specifically for the Velodrome at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Full track listing for Born In The Echoes:
1. Sometimes I Feel So Deserted
2. Go (featuring Q-Tip)
3. Under Neon Lights (featuring St. Vincent)
4. EML Ritual (featuring Ali Love)
5. I'll See You There
6. Just Bang
7. Reflexion
8. Taste of Honey
9. Born In The Echoes (featuring Cate Le Bon)
10. Radiate
11. Wide Open (featuring Beck)
The Chemical Brothers announce new album
The Chemical Brothers have announced the release of their new album.
The duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons are set to release their eighth LP - their first in five years - entitled 'Born In The Echoes', on July 17.
To coincide with their summer appearances at Glastonbury, Sonar and Bestival, the band have unveiled details about the 11-track album, which promises machine driven music from one of the world's most famous electronic music duos.
Packed with collaborations with some top names including Grammy Award winner Beck and 'Digital Witness' hitmaker St. Vincent, the album promises music which is sure to excite and impress fans of the group.
The band also dropped the audio for their first single from the album, 'Sometimes I Feel So Deserted', a rhythm track which leads the way with its Escher-esque style.
During the band's hiatus, they were honoured with an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection in recognition of their "innovative and popular songwriting".
The duo also recorded a track with Lorde and Miguel for 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' soundtrack as well as creating music specifically for the Velodrome at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Full track listing for Born In The Echoes:
1. Sometimes I Feel So Deserted
2. Go (featuring Q-Tip)
3. Under Neon Lights (featuring St. Vincent)
4. EML Ritual (featuring Ali Love)
5. I'll See You There
6. Just Bang
7. Reflexion
8. Taste of Honey
9. Born In The Echoes (featuring Cate Le Bon)
10. Radiate
11. Wide Open (featuring Beck)
Music News
Faith No More's Roddy Bottum is "super" flattered to see so many "young" faces at their shows.
The keyboard player admits he has been "staggered" by his band's long lasting popularity and the fact they are attracting so many new fans judging by the amount of teenagers at their concerts.
Roddy, 51, told The Sun newspaper: "I would never have thought we'd have that sort of draw. It surprises me how many young people are there, and that's super flattering."
The 'Be Aggressive' hitmakers split up in 1998 and it was thought it was over good. However, they returned in 2009 for a reunion tour.
The musician recalled: "When we started doing the reunion shows, I was surprised that anyone would really be interested."
He added: "I felt sure we'd get a handful of people that would come back from the nineties era."
But he was proved wrong when tickets went online for their London show on June 17, which sold out in minutes.
Faith No More play a sold out gig at London's Roundhouse in Camden on June 17.
Faith No More thrilled by new fans
Faith No More's Roddy Bottum is "super" flattered to see so many "young" faces at their shows.
The keyboard player admits he has been "staggered" by his band's long lasting popularity and the fact they are attracting so many new fans judging by the amount of teenagers at their concerts.
Roddy, 51, told The Sun newspaper: "I would never have thought we'd have that sort of draw. It surprises me how many young people are there, and that's super flattering."
The 'Be Aggressive' hitmakers split up in 1998 and it was thought it was over good. However, they returned in 2009 for a reunion tour.
The musician recalled: "When we started doing the reunion shows, I was surprised that anyone would really be interested."
He added: "I felt sure we'd get a handful of people that would come back from the nineties era."
But he was proved wrong when tickets went online for their London show on June 17, which sold out in minutes.
Faith No More play a sold out gig at London's Roundhouse in Camden on June 17.
Music News
Sarah Harding had an "amazingly productive" day in the recording studio.
The former Girls Aloud member has been busy working on new songs for her solo album and she is very happy with the tracks she has laid down so far.
In a post on her Twitter account, Sarah wrote: "Another long but amazingly productive day in studio writing and recording yesterday! Can't wait for you guys to hear what I've got cookin (sic)"
The 33-year-old singer has been extremely busy of late, having landed a role in 'Coronation Street' as the love interest of Tracy Barlow's long-lost ex-husband Robert Preston.
Speaking about her upcoming four episodes in July, she said: "I can't believe it. I found out a few weeks ago but it was in the pipeline for a while. The producers know that I love the show. I do charity work with them and, at an event, they could tell I was a fan as I was going mental at the cast."
It was announced Sarah - who previously appeared in the two 'St. Trinian's' films - would be making a guest stint last month and she's now hinted she may be set to appear for more than just four episodes.
She added: "I didn't have to do an audition - they YouTubed me and saw what I did, so I was lucky. And it might just turn out to be a longer stint. Watch this space!"
Sarah Harding has ‘productive’ day in studio
Sarah Harding had an "amazingly productive" day in the recording studio.
The former Girls Aloud member has been busy working on new songs for her solo album and she is very happy with the tracks she has laid down so far.
In a post on her Twitter account, Sarah wrote: "Another long but amazingly productive day in studio writing and recording yesterday! Can't wait for you guys to hear what I've got cookin (sic)"
The 33-year-old singer has been extremely busy of late, having landed a role in 'Coronation Street' as the love interest of Tracy Barlow's long-lost ex-husband Robert Preston.
Speaking about her upcoming four episodes in July, she said: "I can't believe it. I found out a few weeks ago but it was in the pipeline for a while. The producers know that I love the show. I do charity work with them and, at an event, they could tell I was a fan as I was going mental at the cast."
It was announced Sarah - who previously appeared in the two 'St. Trinian's' films - would be making a guest stint last month and she's now hinted she may be set to appear for more than just four episodes.
She added: "I didn't have to do an audition - they YouTubed me and saw what I did, so I was lucky. And it might just turn out to be a longer stint. Watch this space!"