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Madonna: Kanye West is a brilliant madman


Madonna thinks Kanye West is a "brilliant madman".
The 56-year-old singer thinks the 'Bound 2' hitmaker can be "inappropriate" with his opinions but she is astonished by some of his ideas.
She said: "He can't help himself. Like, he doesn't have the same filters other people have.
"He has to blurt things out, he's always saying inappropriate stuff. But he also has brilliant ideas, if you can get him to pay attention long enough, working with him in the studio."
And the 'Hung Up' hitmaker admits working on her new album, 'Rebel Heart', with Kanye and some of her other collaborators drove her "bonkers" because of their lack of focus and easily-distracted ways.
She said: "He would drive me bonkers, because he's got so many things going on in his life. And this seemed to be the theme of my record, working with people who can't get off their phone, can't stop tweeting, can't focus and finish a song. It drove me crazy. But when they did pay attention, it was brilliant. I was, like, running around with a butterfly net."
Last month, Kanye tried to interrupt Beck as he accepted the Album of the Year prize at the Grammy awards to signal that, like at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards - when he interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech - he felt Beyonce should have picked up the accolade, and Madonna thinks he picked the wrong time and place to try and make a statement.
She told the new issue of Rolling Stone magazine: "Don't go to awards shows looking for justice.
"That's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Just go and have fun. I never got too engaged with who wins awards or not, because I don't honestly think it's that important.
"So that part of him I can't relate to. Like, what's the point of fighting for somebody to...like, 'This person should have got it?'...I think sometimes he takes things too seriously."
While Madonna doesn't always agree with Kanye, she thinks he is good for the music industry.
She said: "I feel like the music business needs him, because everyone's become so politically correct, so safe.
"I don't always agree with the things he says or does - I don't always like his music, even. But he's a beautiful mess. I love him."




David Guetta: I don’t care about making hits


David Guetta isn't worried about making hit music.
The 'Titanium' hitmaker may have a long list of hit tracks to his name but he has admitted he feels less pressure to make chart-topping tracks now because his last album 'Nothing But The Beat' was "full" of them.
He said: "It's a terrible feeling because I don't like thinking I have to make a hit.
"I feel so happy now because the album is full of hits and now I can just go the studio and have fun and not make hits."
The 47-year-old record producer also admitted to feeling "pressure" to make songs that are different and believes his latest tracks 'Dangerous' and 'What I Did For Love' have helped him to achieve what he had wished.
Speaking on BBC Radio 1's The Official Chart Show with Clara Amfo, he said: "But that's why I took my time because I don't like working under pressure like this.
"The pressure was not so much about making hits but it was being able to make something different from before. That was a lot of pressure.
"I'm very happy, I'm very proud because I think those records like 'Dangerous' and 'What I Did For Love' are different to anything I've done before. That was my challenge."

Calvin Harris and Kasabian to headline at V Festival


Calvin Harris and Kasabian are set to headline at this year's V Festival.
The global platinum-selling artist, 31, and the iconic rockers will take to the Virgin Media stage across the weekend of August 22 and 23 in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire to celebrate the event's 20th anniversary.
Calvin said: "V Festival is always an incredible time and I can't wait to headline it this year."
Kasabian's Sergio Pizzorno added that the English group - also consisting of Tom Meighan, Christopher Karloff and Chris Edwards - were "very excited" to perform at the extravaganza.
The headliners will be joined by some of Britain's finest talent including; Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, The Script, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Ella Henderson, Kodaline, Nero and George Ezra.
Festival Director, Simon Moran, said: "We wanted to champion British talent at this year's festival and with the likes of Calvin and Kasabian leading the way we don't think it'll disappoint."
There will also be sets from The Kooks, Marina & The Diamonds, The Proclaimers, Jess Glynne and Jessie Ware, as well as many more acts to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for Virgin Media's V Festival go on sale from March 6 at 9am on www.vfestival.com.



The Overtones’ new album ‘triggers childhood memories’


The Overtones' Timmy Matley has been "taken back to [his] childhood" with their new album 'Sweet Soul Music'.
The Irish singer - who stars alongside Mark Franks, Lachie Chapman, Mike Crawshaw and Darren Everest in the group - says their new soul album featuring classics like Marvin Gaye's 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' has caused him to go on a journey back in time.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Timmy explained: "I'm really proud of taking on some of these songs. It was a bit daunting at times, but it's definitely taken me back to my childhood, listening to that music and having a real love for it.
"I remember flicking through my mum's old LPs, blowing the dust off them and flicking them on."
What's more, he said that the new record underlined the band's growth, suggesting they've taken more risks with their fourth album.
He said: "We realised that for this album, it was about us spreading our wings. It has a bit more grit and energy, but with that, there are also some really loving, tender moments."
The album features some soul classics and Timmy revealed the five-piece harmony outfit used some old-school recording techniques to achieve the sound they were looking for.
He shared: "We're really proud of this album. It's definitely about us thinking about how they recorded songs back in the era, and back in those days, they recorded together in the same studio around a mic each.
"They created that whole feel live in the studio and that's what we wanted with this album. And I think we've achieved a fuller sound with this record. We're really singing from the heart."

Gregory Porter promises Disclosure’s new record is better than debut


Gregory Porter thinks Disclosure's new album is better than their debut.
The jazz singer has worked with the brothers on a track for the follow-up to their 2013 chart-topping record 'Settle', and believes fans will find their new material even better because it has been influenced by their experiences in the past few years.
When asked if the collection is an improvement on their first album, he told BANG Showbiz: "Any time maturity and experience enters into the mix along with musical talent, that helps, so I think the fans will be quite happy with the second record. So yeah, I'm giving it to you, yes. It is!
"There's some funky stuff coming. Rest assured it'll be a cool record."
The 43-year-old star - whose Grammy Award-winning third studio album 'Liquid Spirit' is currently at number nine in the UK album charts - admitted he is yet to hear the track he recorded with Guy, 20, and Howard, 23, so has no idea how it will sound.
He explained: "I haven't heard the final mix and I'm sure they're going to put two or three, or four or five different feels on it to see which run they want to go with. But essentially, my portion of it, I came in with my love-based soulful musical expression over the chords and beat that they had going at the time, which y'know, they may go into the musical laboratory and put a different spin on it. I'm interested in all different types of music and different ways to get my musical expressions out, so I'm excited about it."
The deluxe edition of 'Liquid Spirit' is on sale now.

Mumford and Sons announce new album Wilder Mind


Mumford & Sons will release their new album 'Wilder Mind' in May.
The 'I Will Wait' hitmakers, featuring Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall and Ted Dwane, have warned fans not to expect their trademark folk sound on their new LP because they decided to ditch the instruments they used on their first two albums, 'Sigh No More (2009) and 'Babel' (2012), while working on their latest release.
Frontman Marcus said: "We felt that doing the same thing, or the same instrumentation again, just wasn't for us.
"We've got a broader taste in music than just that."
Bassist Ted added: "None of us had really any interest in doing a sort of 'Babel 2'. It was always going to be different."
The 12-track album, which will be released on May 5, will instead feature a move towards a more electronic sound, which is something that surprised some members of the band.
On walking into a studio filled with synthesizers, Ted said: "It was bizarre. I didn't expect we were going to do the same thing again - but this was crazy!"
As well as the change in genre, the Grammy-winning group explained the highly-anticipated LP has been influenced by New York where Marcus and Winston live, as well as the themes of love and heartbreak, after both Ted and Winston ended long-term relationships.
Ted explained: "Half of the band has gone one way towards this sort of happy marriage, and the other half has gone the opposite direction to a lonely single existence.
"So there was sort of two people writing from one spectrum and two people writing from the opposite spectrum. Certainly the sentiments expressed on the album are all drawn from personal experience, unfortunately."

The tracklist for 'Wilder Mind' is as follows:
1. 'Tompkins Square Park'
2. 'Believe'
3. 'The Wolf'
4. 'Wilder Mind'
5. 'Just Smoke'
6. 'Monster'
7. 'Snake Eyes'
8. 'Broad-Shouldered Beasts'
9. 'Cold Arms'
10. 'Ditmas'
11. 'Only Love'
12. 'Hot Gates'

Naughty Boy: One Direction will be together for 20 years


Naughty Boy believes One Direction "will be together for the next 20 years".
The producer - whose real name is Shahid Khan - has recently been working with one of the band's members, Zayn Malik, on new music, but believes although they may be interested in making their own songs, they will stay together forever.
He said: "I still think there's nothing wrong with trying different things.
"They are all experimenting and dabbling but I think the band will be together for the next 20 years."
The 29-year-old DJ has recently snapped in the studio with the 'Steal My Girl' singer, and has now revealed their time spent together has resulted in music for the band's next album, as well as some music for the 'La La La' hitmaker's forthcoming solo record.
He explained: "I can't deny the fact that we have made music together.
"That's music we've made for One Direction and also that Zayn is going to feature on my next album.
"We're making music and having fun. This is just like a side gig and I don't think there is anything wrong with it."
And although the group - which also features Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne - have topped charts around the world with their catchy tracks, the producer believes Zayn's contribution to his album will show more of his potential.
He told The Sun newspaper: "It's a good time for Zayn to showcase what he really can do.
"I don't think that is being fully exploited within the band because there are five people and it needs to be balanced out.
"They all have something to show the world as individuals. They can always come back together and do their thing. I don't think they will ever split up."

Madonna announces Rebel Heart World Tour


Madonna has announced her 'Rebel Heart World Tour'.
The pop superstar is embarking on a 35-date tour of North America, Europe and Puerto Rico to promote the release of her new album 'Rebel Heart' - which is released on March 6.
Madonna unveiled her plans on Twitter and on her official website this morning (02.03.15), revealing she will kick off her mammoth run of live shows at the American Airlines Arena on August 29.
The 'Living for Love' singer tweeted: "Rebel Heart Tour Announced For North America And Europe! Tour Kicks Off In Miami August 29th #RebelHeartTour (sic)"
After kicking off proceedings at the end of August, Madonna will spend September touring the US and Canada.
The 56-year-old singer finishes her American dates in October before bringing her show to Europe in November and December.
The 'Rebel Heart Tour' is being produced by Live Nation Global Touring and Arthur Fogel, Global Touring President, can't wait to see Madonna back on stage.
Fogel said: "Madonna continues to be one of the most successful touring artists in history - her shows are legendary and we are thrilled to have her going back on tour."
Tickets go on general sale from Monday March 9 via Madonna's official site and other outlets and from March 9 to March 30 every North American ticket purchased online will come with an exclusive digital download of the SUPER DELUXE version of the 'Rebel Heart' album, which includes 6 bonus tracks including 4 previously unreleased studio tracks.

Madonna 'Rebel Heart Tour' 2015 dates:

North America / Puerto Rico:

Date / City / Venue
Aug 29 - Miami, FL - American Airlines Arena - On Sale Mar 9
Sept 2 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Sept 5 - San Juan, PR - Coliseo de Puerto Rico - On sale Mar 21
Sept 9 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre - On Sale Mar 14
Sept 12 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center - On Sale Mar 16
Sept 16 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden - On Sale Mar 9
Sept 19 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center - On Sale Mar 9
Sept 24 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center - On Sale Mar 16
Sept 26 - Boston, MA - TD Garden - On Sale Mar 16
Sept 28 - Chicago, IL - United Center - On Sale Mar 9

Oct 1 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena - On Sale Mar 13
Oct 3 - Atlantic City, NJ - Boardwalk Hall - On Sale Mar 16
Oct 5 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre - On Sale Mar 9
Oct 8 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center - On Sale Mar 16
Oct 11 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place - On Sale Mar 9
Oct 14 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena - On Sale Mar 9
Oct 17 - Portland, OR - MODA Center - On Sale Mar 23
Oct 19 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center at San Jose - On Sale Mar 9
Oct 22 - Glendale, AZ - Gila River Arena - On Sale Mar 23
Oct 24 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Oct 27 - Los Angeles, CA Forum - On Sale Mar 16

Europe:

Date / City / Venue
Nov 4 - Koln, Germany - Lanxess Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Nov 7 - Prague, CZ - O2 Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Nov 10 - Berlin,Germany - Mercedes-Benz Arena (02 World) - On Sale Mar 16
Nov 14 - Stockholm, Sweden - Tele 2 Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Nov 17 - Herning, Denmark - Jyske Bank Boxen - On Sale Mar 9
Nov 21 - Turin, Italy - Pala Alpitour - On Sale Mar 16
Nov 24 - Barcelona, Spain Palau Sant Jordi - On Sale Mar 16
Nov 28 - Antwerp, Belgium - Sportpaleis - On Sale Mar 9

Dec 1 - London, UK - O2 Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Dec 5 - Amsterdam, Holland - Ziggo Dome - On Sale Mar 9
Dec 9 - Paris, France - Bercy - On Sale Mar 9
Dec 14 - Manchester, UK - Manchester Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Dec 16 - Birmingham, UK - Barclaycard Arena - On Sale Mar 16
Dec 20 - Glasgow, Scotland - The SSE Hydro - On Sale Mar 16

Lulu criticises sexist, ageist music industry


Lulu believes there is too much pressure on female singers to strip.
The 'Shout' hitmaker rose to fame in the 1960s but believes it is far more difficult for older artists to garner success because music "is not an easy business".
She explained: "The music industry is not an easy business, never has been, and the bosses aren't rushing to sign you if you're over a certain age because it's all about young people."
However, the 66-year-old star continued to say she believes there is growing pressure on young artists to "strip off" and said if anyone had asked her or 'Son of a Preacher Man' singer Dusty Springfield to do so during their early careers, they would have "killed ourselves laughing - then told them where to go."
She added: "Do you know what I really dislike? Female singers thinking they have to strip off when they've got talent."
Although the musician - who is gearing up for the release of hew new album 'Making Life Rhyme' - has not been vocal about her opinions on female stars in the past, she admitted she admires fellow singer Sinead O'Connor, who wrote an open letter to Miley Cyrus in 2013 in which she warned her not to let the music industry pressure her sexually exploiting her body.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, she said: "I'm with Sinead [O'Connor] on this. I might not go about it in the way she has, but I admire her bravery for writing to these young women and expressing her concern."

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