Music News
Music News
Hozier has been named as Spotify's Spotlight Breakout Star of 2014.
The 24-year-old performer piqued the interest of the streaming service in 2013 when he was featured in their list of Spotlight on 2014 artists, and has now been picked as their favourite emerging talent of the past 12 months.
On hearing the news, the singer said: "Spotify have shown their support for my music from very early on in my career.
"It's been a big part of the success of my music this past year and I'm very grateful to them for that support.''
Hozier was recently exposed to a worldwide audience when he performed his hit 'Take Me To Church' at London's Victoria's Secret Show alongside Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran, with the track since topping Spotify's global chart.
Alongside the announcement about the singer-songwriter, Spotify have revealed the acts they are tipping for success in the next year in their Spotlight on 2015 list.
Compiled by the service's in-house music experts using data from Spotify's Viral Charts, 'The Voice' alumnus Becky Hill and Brits' Critics Choice 2015 award winner James Bay are among musicians on the shortlist.
The remaining 10 promising acts include Juce, Coasts, Ibeyi, SOAK, All We Are, Raury, Laura Doggett, Nothing But Thieves, Lapsley and Seinabo Sey.
Previous Spotlight artists include Mercury Prize nominees Jungle and FKA Twigs as well as Banks and 'Riptide' hitmaker, Vance Joy.
Hozier named Spotify’s Spotlight Breakout Star
Hozier has been named as Spotify's Spotlight Breakout Star of 2014.
The 24-year-old performer piqued the interest of the streaming service in 2013 when he was featured in their list of Spotlight on 2014 artists, and has now been picked as their favourite emerging talent of the past 12 months.
On hearing the news, the singer said: "Spotify have shown their support for my music from very early on in my career.
"It's been a big part of the success of my music this past year and I'm very grateful to them for that support.''
Hozier was recently exposed to a worldwide audience when he performed his hit 'Take Me To Church' at London's Victoria's Secret Show alongside Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran, with the track since topping Spotify's global chart.
Alongside the announcement about the singer-songwriter, Spotify have revealed the acts they are tipping for success in the next year in their Spotlight on 2015 list.
Compiled by the service's in-house music experts using data from Spotify's Viral Charts, 'The Voice' alumnus Becky Hill and Brits' Critics Choice 2015 award winner James Bay are among musicians on the shortlist.
The remaining 10 promising acts include Juce, Coasts, Ibeyi, SOAK, All We Are, Raury, Laura Doggett, Nothing But Thieves, Lapsley and Seinabo Sey.
Previous Spotlight artists include Mercury Prize nominees Jungle and FKA Twigs as well as Banks and 'Riptide' hitmaker, Vance Joy.
Music News
Kanye West will receive the Visionary Award at the 2015 BET Honors.
The 'Stronger' rapper - who has 17-month-old daughter North with wife Kim Kardashian West - is being given the prize in recognition of being a "multifaceted trailblazer and pioneer".
The BET website said: "Kanye West will be honoured for his extraordinary contributions across the arts, including roles as a record producer, rapper, filmmaker and fashion designer. He's a multifaceted trailblazer and pioneer whose accomplishments are all marked by his unique and forward-thinking approach."
Kanye will be one of five people honoured at the annual event next month, with Usher also set to pick up a prize.
The 'OMG' hitmaker will receive the Musical Arts Award for his two-decade career at the ceremony in Washington on January 24.
Manwhile, Phylicia Rashad will receive the Theatrical Arts Award and Johnnetta Betsch Cole, director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African Art and former president of Spelman College, will receive the Education Award.
Microsoft Chairman John W. Thompson will receive the Technology and Business Award.
The BET Honors will be broadcast on US TV on February 23.
Kanye West to receive Visionary Award
Kanye West will receive the Visionary Award at the 2015 BET Honors.
The 'Stronger' rapper - who has 17-month-old daughter North with wife Kim Kardashian West - is being given the prize in recognition of being a "multifaceted trailblazer and pioneer".
The BET website said: "Kanye West will be honoured for his extraordinary contributions across the arts, including roles as a record producer, rapper, filmmaker and fashion designer. He's a multifaceted trailblazer and pioneer whose accomplishments are all marked by his unique and forward-thinking approach."
Kanye will be one of five people honoured at the annual event next month, with Usher also set to pick up a prize.
The 'OMG' hitmaker will receive the Musical Arts Award for his two-decade career at the ceremony in Washington on January 24.
Manwhile, Phylicia Rashad will receive the Theatrical Arts Award and Johnnetta Betsch Cole, director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African Art and former president of Spelman College, will receive the Education Award.
Microsoft Chairman John W. Thompson will receive the Technology and Business Award.
The BET Honors will be broadcast on US TV on February 23.
Music News
Ed Sheeran and Ryan Tedder have collaborated on a new song.
The 'Don't' singer made the most of his appearance on 'The X Factor' in October after he revealed how he snuck into 'Bleeding Love' songwriter Ryan's dressing room to quickly write a new tune.
Talking to the radio station Capital FM, Ed explained: "It was really weird thing because I had heard that he just loves writing songs all the time.
"I'd never met him. He was in the dressing room next to me at 'X Factor' so I just popped my head around the corner and was like, 'Oh, do you want to write a song tonight?'"
Ryan - who is part of the band OneRepublic - has been behind some of the biggest tracks including, Beyonce's 'Halo' and Ella Henderson's 'Ghost'.
He has also worked as a producer for the likes of U2, Adele, Marron 5, Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande.
Ed has made chart history of his own, after he was placed at the top of the iTunes end of year chart for his second album 'x'.
The record was named the most downloaded in the UK for 2014, beating Sam Smith and Disney's 'Frozen' soundtrack to first place.
Ed Sheeran has written new material with Ryan Tedder
Ed Sheeran and Ryan Tedder have collaborated on a new song.
The 'Don't' singer made the most of his appearance on 'The X Factor' in October after he revealed how he snuck into 'Bleeding Love' songwriter Ryan's dressing room to quickly write a new tune.
Talking to the radio station Capital FM, Ed explained: "It was really weird thing because I had heard that he just loves writing songs all the time.
"I'd never met him. He was in the dressing room next to me at 'X Factor' so I just popped my head around the corner and was like, 'Oh, do you want to write a song tonight?'"
Ryan - who is part of the band OneRepublic - has been behind some of the biggest tracks including, Beyonce's 'Halo' and Ella Henderson's 'Ghost'.
He has also worked as a producer for the likes of U2, Adele, Marron 5, Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande.
Ed has made chart history of his own, after he was placed at the top of the iTunes end of year chart for his second album 'x'.
The record was named the most downloaded in the UK for 2014, beating Sam Smith and Disney's 'Frozen' soundtrack to first place.
Music News
Coldplay want to collaborate with Sam Smith and London Grammar.
The band's bassist Guy Berryman has been eyeing up the emerging musicians, and named the 'Stay With Me' crooner and electronic pop trio as the top stars he hopes to work with.
The 36-year-old star said: "I love London Grammar, I think they're amazing, and Sam Smith's, he's amazing."
The musician went on to also suggest 'Latch' hitmakers Disclosure - who released their debut album 'Settle' in 2013 - as another act they wish to make music with at some point in the future.
He continued: "Disclosure, fantastic. There's a lot of great music around at the moment."
The 'Magic' hitmakers - who released their sixth studio album 'Ghost Stories' earlier this year - recently revealed they are already writing for their next record, 'A Head Full of Dreams', which frontman Chris Martin teased could be their "final" release, but Guy remained tight-lipped on further details.
Speaking to BBC Radio 2 about which artists, if any, they will actually be collaborating with on the LP, he said: "It's not really specifically answering your question. I think there's some really great bands at the moment, which is really encouraging."
Coldplay want Sam Smith collaboration
Coldplay want to collaborate with Sam Smith and London Grammar.
The band's bassist Guy Berryman has been eyeing up the emerging musicians, and named the 'Stay With Me' crooner and electronic pop trio as the top stars he hopes to work with.
The 36-year-old star said: "I love London Grammar, I think they're amazing, and Sam Smith's, he's amazing."
The musician went on to also suggest 'Latch' hitmakers Disclosure - who released their debut album 'Settle' in 2013 - as another act they wish to make music with at some point in the future.
He continued: "Disclosure, fantastic. There's a lot of great music around at the moment."
The 'Magic' hitmakers - who released their sixth studio album 'Ghost Stories' earlier this year - recently revealed they are already writing for their next record, 'A Head Full of Dreams', which frontman Chris Martin teased could be their "final" release, but Guy remained tight-lipped on further details.
Speaking to BBC Radio 2 about which artists, if any, they will actually be collaborating with on the LP, he said: "It's not really specifically answering your question. I think there's some really great bands at the moment, which is really encouraging."
Music News
Gwen Stefani wants to collaborate with Chris Martin.
The 'Baby Don't Lie' hitmaker is gearing up to release her third solo album, and is still hoping to record a track with the Coldplay frontman after fighting to work with him for a decade.
She said: "I would love to work with Chris Martin. I've tried to get him to work with me for 10 years, so maybe he'll do it this time."
Although the No Doubt star has not managed to secure a collaboration with the 37-year-old singer/songwriter, she revealed Sia - who has also worked on hits such as Rihanna's 'Diamonds' and David Guetta's 'Titanium' - has written a song titled 'Start A War' for her upcoming LP.
Speaking about the Sia, 38, Gwen said: "She's a genius and I love working with her. There's a song on the record called 'Start A War' that she wrote that I'm very grateful for. I think that girls are gonna love that one."
Elsewhere on the as-yet-untitled record, Gwen - who originally forged a solo career in 2004 with the album 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby.' - has worked with Calvin Harris and is still working on new music with Pharrell Williams, who famously wrote her hit single 'Hollaback Girl' and her latest track 'Spark The Fire'.
She explained: "I'm gonna definitely go back in with Pharrell, and I know that I want to work with Diplo. There's so many people!"
The 45-year-old mother-of-three also admitted she has never met 'Boom Clap' hitmaker Charli XCX, despite having a track co-written by the 22-year-old pop star.
She told Spin.com: "She wrote with Benny [Blanco] and then I wrote with Benny separately.
"I wrote her an email and was like, 'This is so weird that I haven't ever met you and now we have this song.' "
Gwen Stefani wants Chris Martin collaboration
Gwen Stefani wants to collaborate with Chris Martin.
The 'Baby Don't Lie' hitmaker is gearing up to release her third solo album, and is still hoping to record a track with the Coldplay frontman after fighting to work with him for a decade.
She said: "I would love to work with Chris Martin. I've tried to get him to work with me for 10 years, so maybe he'll do it this time."
Although the No Doubt star has not managed to secure a collaboration with the 37-year-old singer/songwriter, she revealed Sia - who has also worked on hits such as Rihanna's 'Diamonds' and David Guetta's 'Titanium' - has written a song titled 'Start A War' for her upcoming LP.
Speaking about the Sia, 38, Gwen said: "She's a genius and I love working with her. There's a song on the record called 'Start A War' that she wrote that I'm very grateful for. I think that girls are gonna love that one."
Elsewhere on the as-yet-untitled record, Gwen - who originally forged a solo career in 2004 with the album 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby.' - has worked with Calvin Harris and is still working on new music with Pharrell Williams, who famously wrote her hit single 'Hollaback Girl' and her latest track 'Spark The Fire'.
She explained: "I'm gonna definitely go back in with Pharrell, and I know that I want to work with Diplo. There's so many people!"
The 45-year-old mother-of-three also admitted she has never met 'Boom Clap' hitmaker Charli XCX, despite having a track co-written by the 22-year-old pop star.
She told Spin.com: "She wrote with Benny [Blanco] and then I wrote with Benny separately.
"I wrote her an email and was like, 'This is so weird that I haven't ever met you and now we have this song.' "
Music News
Bob Dylan says it was a "privilege" to cover Frank Sinatra on his new album.
The 73-year-old musician will release his 36th studio album, 'Shadows in the Night', next year, comprised of covers of songs once sung by the legendary late crooner but admitted it was a challenge to simplify the original big band arrangements.
He said: "It was a real privilege to make this album. I've wanted to do something like this for a long time but was never brave enough to approach 30-piece complicated arrangements and refine them down for a 5-piece band."
The LP will feature well-known tracks by Sinatra, including 'Stay With Me', as well as versions of 'Autumn Leaves', 'What'll I Do' and 'I'm A Fool To Want You'.
The 'Like a Rolling Stone' singer - who released his last album, 'Tempest', in 2012 - also stripped back the recording process for his new LP, because he believes a studio version of the tracks would not do them justice.
He explained: "That's the key to all these performances. We knew these songs extremely well. It was all done live. Maybe one or two takes. No overdubbing. No vocal booths. No headphones. No separate tracking, and, for the most part, mixed as it was recorded."
Due to the way in which the album has been recorded, Dylan - who unveiled the LP's first track, 'Full Moon and Empty Arms' earlier this year - has assured sceptics his versions of the tracks do not sound like the originals.
Dylan said: "I don't see myself as covering these songs in any way. They've been covered enough. Buried, as a matter a fact. What me and my band are basically doing is uncovering them. Lifting them out of the grave and bringing them into the light of day."
'Shadows in the Night' will be released through Columbia Records on February 3 2015.
The tracklist for the album is as follows:
1. 'I'm A Fool To Want You'
2. 'The Night We Called It A Day'
3. 'Stay With Me'
4. 'Autumn Leaves'
5. 'Why Try To Change Me Now'
6. 'Some Enchanted Evening'
7. 'Full Moon And Empty Arms'
8. 'Where Are You'
9. 'What'll I Do'
10. 'That Lucky Old Son'
Bob Dylan ‘privileged’ to have recorded new album
Bob Dylan says it was a "privilege" to cover Frank Sinatra on his new album.
The 73-year-old musician will release his 36th studio album, 'Shadows in the Night', next year, comprised of covers of songs once sung by the legendary late crooner but admitted it was a challenge to simplify the original big band arrangements.
He said: "It was a real privilege to make this album. I've wanted to do something like this for a long time but was never brave enough to approach 30-piece complicated arrangements and refine them down for a 5-piece band."
The LP will feature well-known tracks by Sinatra, including 'Stay With Me', as well as versions of 'Autumn Leaves', 'What'll I Do' and 'I'm A Fool To Want You'.
The 'Like a Rolling Stone' singer - who released his last album, 'Tempest', in 2012 - also stripped back the recording process for his new LP, because he believes a studio version of the tracks would not do them justice.
He explained: "That's the key to all these performances. We knew these songs extremely well. It was all done live. Maybe one or two takes. No overdubbing. No vocal booths. No headphones. No separate tracking, and, for the most part, mixed as it was recorded."
Due to the way in which the album has been recorded, Dylan - who unveiled the LP's first track, 'Full Moon and Empty Arms' earlier this year - has assured sceptics his versions of the tracks do not sound like the originals.
Dylan said: "I don't see myself as covering these songs in any way. They've been covered enough. Buried, as a matter a fact. What me and my band are basically doing is uncovering them. Lifting them out of the grave and bringing them into the light of day."
'Shadows in the Night' will be released through Columbia Records on February 3 2015.
The tracklist for the album is as follows:
1. 'I'm A Fool To Want You'
2. 'The Night We Called It A Day'
3. 'Stay With Me'
4. 'Autumn Leaves'
5. 'Why Try To Change Me Now'
6. 'Some Enchanted Evening'
7. 'Full Moon And Empty Arms'
8. 'Where Are You'
9. 'What'll I Do'
10. 'That Lucky Old Son'
Music News
Lindsay Lohan sings on Duran Duran for the band's new album.
The 28-year-old star and her model sister Ali, 20, joined band members Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes in the studio on Sunday evening (07.12.14) to put down some vocals on a track for the band's upcoming LP.
Alongside an image taken with the rockers which she posted on Instagram, she wrote: "Recording with some greats!!! (sic)"
The flame-haired socialite joined the 'Girls On Film' hitmakers at a studio in Battersea, south London for the recording, and is believed to have spent almost seven hours ensuring her contribution was perfect.
A source explained: "Lindsay was in the studio with the boys from 6.30pm right through until 1am. They wanted to make sure they got the vocals on point."
However, fans of Lohan's previous albums - 'Speak' and 'A Little More Personal (Raw)' - may be disappointed as her singing voice is not believed to be showcased on the song, although her 20-year-old sister - who also released an album in 2006 - does belt out some notes.
The source added: "Lindsay's contribution is more of a spoken word part, while Ali is singing on the track - the sisters will feature on the same song, which they thought was really cool."
After celebrating her debut album's 10th anniversary on Instagram over the weekend, the 'Mean Girls' actress is believed to be seriously considering a return to music.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the insider added: "She has been thinking of giving music another shot recently after recording with Kate Moss' husband Jamie Hince from The Kills, last year. People forget that she has had two studio albums - as well as some film soundtrack contributions. She loves music."
Duran Duran have been working on their new album with Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson, who is the brother of Lindsay's ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson.
Lindsay Lohan records with Duran Duran
Lindsay Lohan sings on Duran Duran for the band's new album.
The 28-year-old star and her model sister Ali, 20, joined band members Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes in the studio on Sunday evening (07.12.14) to put down some vocals on a track for the band's upcoming LP.
Alongside an image taken with the rockers which she posted on Instagram, she wrote: "Recording with some greats!!! (sic)"
The flame-haired socialite joined the 'Girls On Film' hitmakers at a studio in Battersea, south London for the recording, and is believed to have spent almost seven hours ensuring her contribution was perfect.
A source explained: "Lindsay was in the studio with the boys from 6.30pm right through until 1am. They wanted to make sure they got the vocals on point."
However, fans of Lohan's previous albums - 'Speak' and 'A Little More Personal (Raw)' - may be disappointed as her singing voice is not believed to be showcased on the song, although her 20-year-old sister - who also released an album in 2006 - does belt out some notes.
The source added: "Lindsay's contribution is more of a spoken word part, while Ali is singing on the track - the sisters will feature on the same song, which they thought was really cool."
After celebrating her debut album's 10th anniversary on Instagram over the weekend, the 'Mean Girls' actress is believed to be seriously considering a return to music.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the insider added: "She has been thinking of giving music another shot recently after recording with Kate Moss' husband Jamie Hince from The Kills, last year. People forget that she has had two studio albums - as well as some film soundtrack contributions. She loves music."
Duran Duran have been working on their new album with Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson, who is the brother of Lindsay's ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson.
Music News
Ed Sheeran has topped the end of year iTunes chart.
The 23-year-old singer's second album 'x' was released in June and was the most downloaded record from the retailer in the UK in 2014.
Speaking of the announcement, he said: "Absolutely buzzing to hear I've got the best selling album on iTunes this year."
The news comes days after the record was named as the most-streamed album in the world for 2014 on Spotify, with more than 430 million plays since it was released.
Elsewhere in the rundown of the UK's favourite albums, Sam Smith's debut 'In the Lonely Hour' came second, with the soundtrack to hit Disney movie 'Frozen' being the third best seller.
iTunes also revealed the best-selling singles from the past year, with Pharrell Williams topping the list with his worldwide hit 'Happy', and the Grammy-nominated 'Rather Be' by Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne coming in at second place, which was also iTunes UK's pick for best song.
Speaking about the news, the trio said: "Amazing to find out that 'Rather Be' has been chosen as Song of the Year by iTunes. Thank you so much to everyone who bought it and supported us. 2014 has been an incredible year. Happy Christmas to one and all."
Tracks from Meghan Trainor, Ella Henderson, and John Legend were among other songs in the top 10 best selling singles list.
Aside from music, 'Threes!' was named iPhone Game of the Year, while the iPad Game of the Year titled went to 'Monument Valley'. 'Minecraft: Pocket Edition' is the number one selling paid iPhone and iPad App of 2014.
Ed Sheeran tops iTunes end of year chart
Ed Sheeran has topped the end of year iTunes chart.
The 23-year-old singer's second album 'x' was released in June and was the most downloaded record from the retailer in the UK in 2014.
Speaking of the announcement, he said: "Absolutely buzzing to hear I've got the best selling album on iTunes this year."
The news comes days after the record was named as the most-streamed album in the world for 2014 on Spotify, with more than 430 million plays since it was released.
Elsewhere in the rundown of the UK's favourite albums, Sam Smith's debut 'In the Lonely Hour' came second, with the soundtrack to hit Disney movie 'Frozen' being the third best seller.
iTunes also revealed the best-selling singles from the past year, with Pharrell Williams topping the list with his worldwide hit 'Happy', and the Grammy-nominated 'Rather Be' by Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne coming in at second place, which was also iTunes UK's pick for best song.
Speaking about the news, the trio said: "Amazing to find out that 'Rather Be' has been chosen as Song of the Year by iTunes. Thank you so much to everyone who bought it and supported us. 2014 has been an incredible year. Happy Christmas to one and all."
Tracks from Meghan Trainor, Ella Henderson, and John Legend were among other songs in the top 10 best selling singles list.
Aside from music, 'Threes!' was named iPhone Game of the Year, while the iPad Game of the Year titled went to 'Monument Valley'. 'Minecraft: Pocket Edition' is the number one selling paid iPhone and iPad App of 2014.