Music News
Music News
Katy Perry is preparing a Grammy Awards performance.
The 30-year-old pop sensation is planning to perform the touching ballad 'By the Grace of God' at the ceremony on February 8 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which is taken from her fourth studio album, 'Prism'.
Billboard magazine reports the 'Roar' hitmaker is hoping to recreate her slowed down 2011 Grammys performance at which she sang her track 'Not Like the Movies' before launching into an energetic rendition of her hit single 'Teenage Dream'.
Explaining the meaning behind the track in 2013, the pop sensation revealed it was inspired by a "tough" time in her personal life following her divorce from comedian Russell Brand, when she contemplated suicide.
She said: "That song is evident of how tough it really was at a certain point. I asked myself, 'Do I want to endure? Should I continue living?'"
As well as performing, the 13-time nominee will also be hoping for a win in the Best Pop Vocal Album category, as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her collaboration with Juicy J on 'Dark Horse'.
The performance will come just a week after her 13-minute performance at the Super Bowl halftime show which was watched by a record 118.5 million viewers.
The 57th annual event will also see Madonna, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran take to the stage, as well as Rihanna, Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney who will perform their new single 'FourFiveSeconds'.
Katy Perry singing at Grammys?
Katy Perry is preparing a Grammy Awards performance.
The 30-year-old pop sensation is planning to perform the touching ballad 'By the Grace of God' at the ceremony on February 8 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which is taken from her fourth studio album, 'Prism'.
Billboard magazine reports the 'Roar' hitmaker is hoping to recreate her slowed down 2011 Grammys performance at which she sang her track 'Not Like the Movies' before launching into an energetic rendition of her hit single 'Teenage Dream'.
Explaining the meaning behind the track in 2013, the pop sensation revealed it was inspired by a "tough" time in her personal life following her divorce from comedian Russell Brand, when she contemplated suicide.
She said: "That song is evident of how tough it really was at a certain point. I asked myself, 'Do I want to endure? Should I continue living?'"
As well as performing, the 13-time nominee will also be hoping for a win in the Best Pop Vocal Album category, as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her collaboration with Juicy J on 'Dark Horse'.
The performance will come just a week after her 13-minute performance at the Super Bowl halftime show which was watched by a record 118.5 million viewers.
The 57th annual event will also see Madonna, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran take to the stage, as well as Rihanna, Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney who will perform their new single 'FourFiveSeconds'.
Music News
Noel Gallagher would "rather drink petrol" than listen to Alex Turner.
The former Oasis star has slammed the Arctic Monkeys frontman and claims he would rather drink fuel "straight from the nozzle at a garage" than listen to an interview with the 29-year-old singer.
He said: "I would rather drink petrol straight from the nozzle at a garage than listen to an interview with Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys. Wouldn't you?"
The 'Wonderwall' hitmaker went on to attack the "s**t pop music" in the charts and is hoping their will soon be a rise in bands with "proper characters" at their helm.
He also blamed "boring" artists for the failure of many indie record labels.
Noel told the Evening Standard newspaper: "There is a lot of s**t pop music these days that's just devouring everything at the minute. I'm hoping that will come to an end.
"There doesn't seem to be any characters any more. When you have proper characters, the music sort of becomes secondary - it looks after itself. Look at bands like The Smiths and The Jam - all great characters.
"Is it any coincidence that all the indie labels got bought up by the major labels and things have started to get boring?"
The 47-year-old singer - whose band, High Flying Birds, were recently announced as the headliners of London's Calling festival in July - has also spoken ill of Ed Sheeran and James Blunt over the past few weeks.
After branding the 'You're Beautiful' hitmaker "boring", he also rubbished 23-year-old Ed's "polished pop".
Noel Gallagher would ‘rather drink petrol’ than listen to Alex Turner
Noel Gallagher would "rather drink petrol" than listen to Alex Turner.
The former Oasis star has slammed the Arctic Monkeys frontman and claims he would rather drink fuel "straight from the nozzle at a garage" than listen to an interview with the 29-year-old singer.
He said: "I would rather drink petrol straight from the nozzle at a garage than listen to an interview with Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys. Wouldn't you?"
The 'Wonderwall' hitmaker went on to attack the "s**t pop music" in the charts and is hoping their will soon be a rise in bands with "proper characters" at their helm.
He also blamed "boring" artists for the failure of many indie record labels.
Noel told the Evening Standard newspaper: "There is a lot of s**t pop music these days that's just devouring everything at the minute. I'm hoping that will come to an end.
"There doesn't seem to be any characters any more. When you have proper characters, the music sort of becomes secondary - it looks after itself. Look at bands like The Smiths and The Jam - all great characters.
"Is it any coincidence that all the indie labels got bought up by the major labels and things have started to get boring?"
The 47-year-old singer - whose band, High Flying Birds, were recently announced as the headliners of London's Calling festival in July - has also spoken ill of Ed Sheeran and James Blunt over the past few weeks.
After branding the 'You're Beautiful' hitmaker "boring", he also rubbished 23-year-old Ed's "polished pop".
Music News
Noel Gallagher believes Liam Gallagher will release music soon.
The High Flying Birds frontman regularly sees his brother and former Oasis bandmate at Manchester City matches despite their high-profile bust-up which led to the band's demise, and thinks it is only a matter of time until the 42-year-old musician records new music.
He said: "I see him at the football and we talk."
"Liam won't be out of the music game for long, and he shouldn't be, because there aren't many people like that still left."
The singer-songwriter performed as part of Beady Eye from 2009, but the four-piece disbanded in October after the release of 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' in 2011 and 'BE' in 2013.
However, Noel revealed the siblings still wind each other up, branding Liam "a cheeky little ****" after he said he could have sung the High Flying Birds track 'Everybody's On The Run' better than him.
He told Q magazine: "He said, 'I'd have smashed it.'
"I was like, 'Yeah, whatever'."
The comments come just days after the outspoken 47-year-old guitarist slammed the BRIT Awards for ignoring independent musicians such as himself and 'eez-eh' rockers Kasabian.
He told the BBC: "I'm an independent artist and we get shafted by people at the Brits.
"You won't see an independent artist [among the nominees], unless they sell 50 million records and it becomes an impossibility to leave them out.
"If Kasabian don't fulfil the criteria for one of the best groups, what is that saying?"
Noel Gallagher: Liam ‘won’t be out of music for long’
Noel Gallagher believes Liam Gallagher will release music soon.
The High Flying Birds frontman regularly sees his brother and former Oasis bandmate at Manchester City matches despite their high-profile bust-up which led to the band's demise, and thinks it is only a matter of time until the 42-year-old musician records new music.
He said: "I see him at the football and we talk."
"Liam won't be out of the music game for long, and he shouldn't be, because there aren't many people like that still left."
The singer-songwriter performed as part of Beady Eye from 2009, but the four-piece disbanded in October after the release of 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' in 2011 and 'BE' in 2013.
However, Noel revealed the siblings still wind each other up, branding Liam "a cheeky little ****" after he said he could have sung the High Flying Birds track 'Everybody's On The Run' better than him.
He told Q magazine: "He said, 'I'd have smashed it.'
"I was like, 'Yeah, whatever'."
The comments come just days after the outspoken 47-year-old guitarist slammed the BRIT Awards for ignoring independent musicians such as himself and 'eez-eh' rockers Kasabian.
He told the BBC: "I'm an independent artist and we get shafted by people at the Brits.
"You won't see an independent artist [among the nominees], unless they sell 50 million records and it becomes an impossibility to leave them out.
"If Kasabian don't fulfil the criteria for one of the best groups, what is that saying?"
Music News
Ellie Goulding has tipped Jessie Ware to win a BRIT Award.
The 'Tough Love' singer has been nominated in the British Female Solo Artist category at the ceremony which pal Ellie - who was awarded with the gong in 2014 - believes she will win despite facing strong competition from Ella Henderson, FKA twigs, Paloma Faith and Lily Allen.
She said: "In my category I think Jessie Ware will win. I didn't think I would win it last year so I was pretty chilled. I get nominated for a lot of awards, that's a fact. I don't win a lot of awards."
As well as the 30-year-old singer-songwriter, Ellie thinks Sam Smith, who is up for five awards, and Ed Sheeran, shortlisted in four categories, will take home the most prizes.
She added: "I think Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran will win big this year."
The 28-year-old singer also praised her 'Outside' collaborator Calvin Harris - who is up for British Video and British Single for his track 'Summer' at the BRITs, which will take place on February 25 - by saying they are "best friends" and are hoping to head back into the studio together again soon.
Speaking to Rickie, Melvin and Charlie on the KISS FM UK Breakfast Show, she said: "Well we've talked about doing other bits. For some reason, we just really love making stuff together. He's like one of my best friends, he's very dry, and funny, and it just kind of works, because he's so modest. I think the reason he's done so well is because he's so humble. He's extremely clever and I genuinely love everything that he puts out."
Ellie Goulding tips Jessie Ware for BRIT win
Ellie Goulding has tipped Jessie Ware to win a BRIT Award.
The 'Tough Love' singer has been nominated in the British Female Solo Artist category at the ceremony which pal Ellie - who was awarded with the gong in 2014 - believes she will win despite facing strong competition from Ella Henderson, FKA twigs, Paloma Faith and Lily Allen.
She said: "In my category I think Jessie Ware will win. I didn't think I would win it last year so I was pretty chilled. I get nominated for a lot of awards, that's a fact. I don't win a lot of awards."
As well as the 30-year-old singer-songwriter, Ellie thinks Sam Smith, who is up for five awards, and Ed Sheeran, shortlisted in four categories, will take home the most prizes.
She added: "I think Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran will win big this year."
The 28-year-old singer also praised her 'Outside' collaborator Calvin Harris - who is up for British Video and British Single for his track 'Summer' at the BRITs, which will take place on February 25 - by saying they are "best friends" and are hoping to head back into the studio together again soon.
Speaking to Rickie, Melvin and Charlie on the KISS FM UK Breakfast Show, she said: "Well we've talked about doing other bits. For some reason, we just really love making stuff together. He's like one of my best friends, he's very dry, and funny, and it just kind of works, because he's so modest. I think the reason he's done so well is because he's so humble. He's extremely clever and I genuinely love everything that he puts out."
Music News
Rihanna, Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney will perform at the Grammy Awards.
The 26-year-old star has been confirmed to sing her new single 'FourFiveSeconds' along with Kanye and Sir Paul at the ceremony, with the 'Bound 2' rapper also set to give a solo performance at the ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
A source said: "Rihanna's seriously pleased to have bagged a big slot at The Grammys and two huge names to kick off her comeback."
Kanye's performance comes six years after the 37-year-old musician - who has 19-month-old daughter North with Kim Kardashian West - last performed at the prestigious occasion, where he rapped a medley of tracks including his collaboration with Estelle, 'American Boy'.
At the ceremony on February 8, Kanye - who has won 21 Grammys during his career - is up for two awards, while Rihanna has been nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'The Monster' with Eminem.
The 57th annual event - which will be hosted by LL Cool J for the fourth consecutive year - will also feature performances from Madonna, AC/DC, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Sam Smith, and duets from Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Gwen Stefani and Adam Levine, and Sir Tom Jones and Jessie J.
Rihanna, Kanye and Sir Paul McCartney confirmed for Grammy Awards
Rihanna, Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney will perform at the Grammy Awards.
The 26-year-old star has been confirmed to sing her new single 'FourFiveSeconds' along with Kanye and Sir Paul at the ceremony, with the 'Bound 2' rapper also set to give a solo performance at the ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
A source said: "Rihanna's seriously pleased to have bagged a big slot at The Grammys and two huge names to kick off her comeback."
Kanye's performance comes six years after the 37-year-old musician - who has 19-month-old daughter North with Kim Kardashian West - last performed at the prestigious occasion, where he rapped a medley of tracks including his collaboration with Estelle, 'American Boy'.
At the ceremony on February 8, Kanye - who has won 21 Grammys during his career - is up for two awards, while Rihanna has been nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'The Monster' with Eminem.
The 57th annual event - which will be hosted by LL Cool J for the fourth consecutive year - will also feature performances from Madonna, AC/DC, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Sam Smith, and duets from Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, Gwen Stefani and Adam Levine, and Sir Tom Jones and Jessie J.
Music News
Madness and Rudimental are to perform at the Emirates Stadium on March 12 in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK.
'An evening with Suggs and friends' - which will feature a unique set of performances from both groups - will be hosted by the lead vocalist of Madness, who is determined to raise money to fight the disease that took the life of his sister-in-law.
Suggs shared: "My wife Anne's sister, Alanah, was such a big part of our lives. She radiated the most extraordinary, non-judgmental joy everywhere she went.
"She is no longer here. Her illness and death from pancreatic cancer came as a huge shock to us all and at her wake we vowed to do something to help research into pancreatic cancer. I am delighted to be an Ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer UK and will do all I can to support the charity.
"For the third consecutive year 'An evening with Suggs and friends' organised by the Gig Company will take place in Alanah's memory."
Meanwhile, 'Waiting All Night' hitmakers Rudimental are looking forward to appearing alongside their heroes and raising money for a worthy cause.
They said: "It's an honour to be asked to be a part of The Gig Company's 'An Evening With Suggs and Friends' and to play alongside Madness, they are such heroes!
"It's an incredible cause, raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. We are pleased to be a part of this event to help raise awareness. It's going to be an amazing night and we're really looking forward to it!"
Madness and Rudimental come together for Pancreatic Cancer UK
Madness and Rudimental are to perform at the Emirates Stadium on March 12 in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK.
'An evening with Suggs and friends' - which will feature a unique set of performances from both groups - will be hosted by the lead vocalist of Madness, who is determined to raise money to fight the disease that took the life of his sister-in-law.
Suggs shared: "My wife Anne's sister, Alanah, was such a big part of our lives. She radiated the most extraordinary, non-judgmental joy everywhere she went.
"She is no longer here. Her illness and death from pancreatic cancer came as a huge shock to us all and at her wake we vowed to do something to help research into pancreatic cancer. I am delighted to be an Ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer UK and will do all I can to support the charity.
"For the third consecutive year 'An evening with Suggs and friends' organised by the Gig Company will take place in Alanah's memory."
Meanwhile, 'Waiting All Night' hitmakers Rudimental are looking forward to appearing alongside their heroes and raising money for a worthy cause.
They said: "It's an honour to be asked to be a part of The Gig Company's 'An Evening With Suggs and Friends' and to play alongside Madness, they are such heroes!
"It's an incredible cause, raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. We are pleased to be a part of this event to help raise awareness. It's going to be an amazing night and we're really looking forward to it!"
Music News
Krept and Konan are the winners of MTV Brand New 2015.
The rapping duo topped the publicly voted annual poll and have promised to throw a party with free chicken to celebrate their win.
They said: "We won, so, everybody that voted can get free chicken, just follow us on Twitter, to find out exactly how ... just follow us to the chicken ... we're going to celebrate, have a party, free chicken.
"You think we're joking, but we're not joking, we'll have free chicken, waffles, doughnuts, everything. You are all invited to sit down and have dinner with us to celebrate MTV Brand New, the victory of Krept and Konan"
Consisting of Casyo 'Krept' Johnson, 24, and Karl 'Konan' Wilson, 25, Krept and Konan started making music in 2013 and have since signed a record deal with Virgin EMI and amassed over 100,000 followers on Twitter.
The prize - presented in association with Emporio Armani Diamonds - aims to shine a spotlight on the most promising musical acts of the year, with the MOBO Award winners beating off competition from nine other artists including James Bay, Becky Hill and Saint Raymond.
Previous recipients of the prestigious prize include Justin Bieber and Conor Maynard, with four-piece 'Wild Heart' hitmakers The Vamps picking up the title in 2014.
Krept and Konan win MTV Brand New
Krept and Konan are the winners of MTV Brand New 2015.
The rapping duo topped the publicly voted annual poll and have promised to throw a party with free chicken to celebrate their win.
They said: "We won, so, everybody that voted can get free chicken, just follow us on Twitter, to find out exactly how ... just follow us to the chicken ... we're going to celebrate, have a party, free chicken.
"You think we're joking, but we're not joking, we'll have free chicken, waffles, doughnuts, everything. You are all invited to sit down and have dinner with us to celebrate MTV Brand New, the victory of Krept and Konan"
Consisting of Casyo 'Krept' Johnson, 24, and Karl 'Konan' Wilson, 25, Krept and Konan started making music in 2013 and have since signed a record deal with Virgin EMI and amassed over 100,000 followers on Twitter.
The prize - presented in association with Emporio Armani Diamonds - aims to shine a spotlight on the most promising musical acts of the year, with the MOBO Award winners beating off competition from nine other artists including James Bay, Becky Hill and Saint Raymond.
Previous recipients of the prestigious prize include Justin Bieber and Conor Maynard, with four-piece 'Wild Heart' hitmakers The Vamps picking up the title in 2014.
Music News
Madonna will perform at the BRIT Awards.
The iconic musician has confirmed she will take to the stage at the ceremony in London on February 25.
Posting an image on Instagram of the BRITs statue with black wire wrapped around its face to mimic her 'Rebel Heart' album cover, she wrote: "Hello to all my UK Rebel Hearts!!!! See you at the Brits on Feb 25th #BritsImMadonna #livingforlove #rebelheart (sic)."
The 'Hung Up' hitmaker previously performed at the celebration of musical talent 20 years ago when she sang her 1995 hit 'Bedtime Story'.
The performance will follow the 56-year-old singer's appearance at the Grammys on February 8, and precedes the official release of her 13th studio album, 'Rebel Heart', which will go on sale on March 9.
A source previously revealed: "Madonna wants to perform to the biggest number of people for the maximum impact and there's no better place for a controversy-filled Madonna performance than the Brits.
"Her album is due out on March 9, a month after the LA ceremony, so she wants another large platform to perform her songs on just before it is released."
Other acts set to perform at the ceremony at London's O2 Arena include Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Paloma Faith.
Madonna confirmed for BRIT Awards performance
Madonna will perform at the BRIT Awards.
The iconic musician has confirmed she will take to the stage at the ceremony in London on February 25.
Posting an image on Instagram of the BRITs statue with black wire wrapped around its face to mimic her 'Rebel Heart' album cover, she wrote: "Hello to all my UK Rebel Hearts!!!! See you at the Brits on Feb 25th #BritsImMadonna #livingforlove #rebelheart (sic)."
The 'Hung Up' hitmaker previously performed at the celebration of musical talent 20 years ago when she sang her 1995 hit 'Bedtime Story'.
The performance will follow the 56-year-old singer's appearance at the Grammys on February 8, and precedes the official release of her 13th studio album, 'Rebel Heart', which will go on sale on March 9.
A source previously revealed: "Madonna wants to perform to the biggest number of people for the maximum impact and there's no better place for a controversy-filled Madonna performance than the Brits.
"Her album is due out on March 9, a month after the LA ceremony, so she wants another large platform to perform her songs on just before it is released."
Other acts set to perform at the ceremony at London's O2 Arena include Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Paloma Faith.
Music News
Chic are to release a new album later this year.
The Disco group - fronted by legendary guitarist Nile Rodgers - have signed with Warner Bros. and agreed to release their first record in more than two decades in June, which Nile says is a "concept album".
Writing on Twitter, he said: "The new CHIC album is a concept album. The 1st two songs are the 1st (#LutherVandross) and the last songs ever recorded by original band. (sic)"
Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Cameron Strang said: "Nile has never stopped moving forward, so I am thrilled to welcome him into the WBR family as he begins a dynamic new chapter of his extraordinary career."
The record will act as a follow up to their 1992 album 'Chic-Ism', with their first single set to come out next month on March 20.
Warner Bros. has also signed a deal with Land of the Good Groove - the label that Rodgers formed with music executive Michael Ostin.
Referencing Madonna's 1984 album, which he co-produced with the singer, Nile said in a statement: "My relationship with Warner and Michael first started with 'Like A Virgin'.
"The album is double-diamond, just like our friendship is."
Rodgers recently returned to the spotlight producing songs and albums for artists including Daft Punk, Duran Duran, Avicii, Disclosure, Sam Smith and Rudimental while continuing to tour with his band.
Meanwhile, the 62-year-old star is set to receive the President's Merit Award at the upcoming 8th Annual Grammy Week celebration for Producers and Engineers later today (03.02.15) to mark his commitment to excellence and ongoing support for music following on from the induction of Chic's 'Le Freak' into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.
Chic to release new album in June
Chic are to release a new album later this year.
The Disco group - fronted by legendary guitarist Nile Rodgers - have signed with Warner Bros. and agreed to release their first record in more than two decades in June, which Nile says is a "concept album".
Writing on Twitter, he said: "The new CHIC album is a concept album. The 1st two songs are the 1st (#LutherVandross) and the last songs ever recorded by original band. (sic)"
Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Cameron Strang said: "Nile has never stopped moving forward, so I am thrilled to welcome him into the WBR family as he begins a dynamic new chapter of his extraordinary career."
The record will act as a follow up to their 1992 album 'Chic-Ism', with their first single set to come out next month on March 20.
Warner Bros. has also signed a deal with Land of the Good Groove - the label that Rodgers formed with music executive Michael Ostin.
Referencing Madonna's 1984 album, which he co-produced with the singer, Nile said in a statement: "My relationship with Warner and Michael first started with 'Like A Virgin'.
"The album is double-diamond, just like our friendship is."
Rodgers recently returned to the spotlight producing songs and albums for artists including Daft Punk, Duran Duran, Avicii, Disclosure, Sam Smith and Rudimental while continuing to tour with his band.
Meanwhile, the 62-year-old star is set to receive the President's Merit Award at the upcoming 8th Annual Grammy Week celebration for Producers and Engineers later today (03.02.15) to mark his commitment to excellence and ongoing support for music following on from the induction of Chic's 'Le Freak' into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.