Music News
Music News
Ed Sheeran has revealed that he was high on MDMA when director Peter Jackson texted him to ask if he would write a song for 'The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug'.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter admits he decided to try the drug for the first time while on holiday in Ibiza, attending his producer Jack Gossling's wedding.
He told Rolling Stone magazine: "If I was ever going to try it, it would've been there.
"I thought the text wasn't real, because I was like, 'Is everything just great today?'"
The 'Lego House' hitmaker, who went on to write the track 'I See Fire' for the film, also spoke about his upcoming album, 'x', and claims he wanted "raw, honest songs from the heart."
He explained: "When you hear that Kesha-Pitbull song, you know it's a hit, but it doesn't make you want to cry or laugh or sit in a corner for five hours just repeating it."
Meanwhile, Ed also recently revealed one track from his album 'Don't' is about an ex-lover and singer who cheated on him in a hotel with a friend while he was downstairs.
He said: "It's 100 percent not about Taylor [Swift]. Taylor's one of these people that if you p*ss her off and she writes a song about you, it's not good news for you.
"I've never dated Taylor. I've dated a few singers, though."
Ed revealed he has played the song for Taylor and claims she told him: "Whatever happens, ever, between us as friends, I never want to p*ss you off that much."
Ed Sheeran high on MDMA when asked to write song
Ed Sheeran has revealed that he was high on MDMA when director Peter Jackson texted him to ask if he would write a song for 'The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug'.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter admits he decided to try the drug for the first time while on holiday in Ibiza, attending his producer Jack Gossling's wedding.
He told Rolling Stone magazine: "If I was ever going to try it, it would've been there.
"I thought the text wasn't real, because I was like, 'Is everything just great today?'"
The 'Lego House' hitmaker, who went on to write the track 'I See Fire' for the film, also spoke about his upcoming album, 'x', and claims he wanted "raw, honest songs from the heart."
He explained: "When you hear that Kesha-Pitbull song, you know it's a hit, but it doesn't make you want to cry or laugh or sit in a corner for five hours just repeating it."
Meanwhile, Ed also recently revealed one track from his album 'Don't' is about an ex-lover and singer who cheated on him in a hotel with a friend while he was downstairs.
He said: "It's 100 percent not about Taylor [Swift]. Taylor's one of these people that if you p*ss her off and she writes a song about you, it's not good news for you.
"I've never dated Taylor. I've dated a few singers, though."
Ed revealed he has played the song for Taylor and claims she told him: "Whatever happens, ever, between us as friends, I never want to p*ss you off that much."
Music News
Aloe Blacc believes talent shows have no interest in producing "real artists".
The 'I Need a Dollar' hitmaker appeared as a guest advisor for Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine on the United States version of talent show 'The Voice' but he claims the show bosses have no real intention of creating real music stars.
He told BANG Showbiz: "They're [talent shows] making a lot of money for producers, definitely. That's what talent shows are for; entertainment for viewers who are watching TV.
"They're not there to produce real artists. They're there to make a lot of money."
However, the 35-year-old star - whose real name is Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III - thinks that when people truly understand what talent show producers want, they can become very successful.
He said: "Sometimes, if one of the contestants really understands what the game is, they'll make a great success for themselves."
Aloe insisted, however, that to make music that will really resonate with people, you have to be passionate about it and do it because you love it not because you want to be famous.
He said: "It [music] has to be genuine and authentic. You always have to start with the music first that you truly love because you have to live with it for the rest of your life.
"So my songs have to stand for me now and even when I'm dead and gone."
Aloe Blacc's new album 'Lift Your Spirit' is out now.
Aloe Blacc: Talent shows no interest in artists
Aloe Blacc believes talent shows have no interest in producing "real artists".
The 'I Need a Dollar' hitmaker appeared as a guest advisor for Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine on the United States version of talent show 'The Voice' but he claims the show bosses have no real intention of creating real music stars.
He told BANG Showbiz: "They're [talent shows] making a lot of money for producers, definitely. That's what talent shows are for; entertainment for viewers who are watching TV.
"They're not there to produce real artists. They're there to make a lot of money."
However, the 35-year-old star - whose real name is Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III - thinks that when people truly understand what talent show producers want, they can become very successful.
He said: "Sometimes, if one of the contestants really understands what the game is, they'll make a great success for themselves."
Aloe insisted, however, that to make music that will really resonate with people, you have to be passionate about it and do it because you love it not because you want to be famous.
He said: "It [music] has to be genuine and authentic. You always have to start with the music first that you truly love because you have to live with it for the rest of your life.
"So my songs have to stand for me now and even when I'm dead and gone."
Aloe Blacc's new album 'Lift Your Spirit' is out now.
Music News
Kanye West raps about his "trophy wife" Kim Kardashian in a new track.
The 'Yeezus' rapper has unveiled his new song 'I Won' which features lyrics about his fiancee Kim, 33, who he's set to marry in May in lavish ceremony in Paris.
According to The Sun newspaper, he raps: "You the number one trophy wife. So it's only right to live the trophy life."
The 36-year-old star also gushed about Kim's assets in the song, singing: "I want to dip that ass in gold. Baby, we should hit the south of France so you could run around without them pants," also mentioning Kim's siblings, he added, "You could look at Kylie, Kendall, Kourtney and Khloe. All your mama ever made was trophies, right?"
Kanye also had a dig at Kim's ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush and ex-husband Kris Humphries, who she split from after just 72-days of marriage in 2011.
He boasted: "I made it over NBA, NFL players. So every time I score it's like the Super Bowl."
The star, who has 10-month-old daughter North with Kim, also mentioned putting an "angel in your ultrasound" and referenced his 'Bound 2' video, in which Kim appeared naked on a motorcycle.
Kayne raps: "My trophy on that Bound bike, I gave you only pipe. If people don't hate then it won't be right."
Kanye West raps about trophy wife Kim Kardashian
Kanye West raps about his "trophy wife" Kim Kardashian in a new track.
The 'Yeezus' rapper has unveiled his new song 'I Won' which features lyrics about his fiancee Kim, 33, who he's set to marry in May in lavish ceremony in Paris.
According to The Sun newspaper, he raps: "You the number one trophy wife. So it's only right to live the trophy life."
The 36-year-old star also gushed about Kim's assets in the song, singing: "I want to dip that ass in gold. Baby, we should hit the south of France so you could run around without them pants," also mentioning Kim's siblings, he added, "You could look at Kylie, Kendall, Kourtney and Khloe. All your mama ever made was trophies, right?"
Kanye also had a dig at Kim's ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush and ex-husband Kris Humphries, who she split from after just 72-days of marriage in 2011.
He boasted: "I made it over NBA, NFL players. So every time I score it's like the Super Bowl."
The star, who has 10-month-old daughter North with Kim, also mentioned putting an "angel in your ultrasound" and referenced his 'Bound 2' video, in which Kim appeared naked on a motorcycle.
Kayne raps: "My trophy on that Bound bike, I gave you only pipe. If people don't hate then it won't be right."
Music News
George Michael feels blessed to have had such a successful career and claims he is "the luckiest man on earth."
The 50-year-old singer, who has released his first album in ten years 'Symphonica', had an emotional moment sat watching live footage of his recent tour with his family.
He took to Twitter this morning (10.04.14) and thanked fans for their support by writing: "There are no words that can describe how much I owe each and every one of you, so I shall not try.
"I sat in my sisters house yesterday and watched "Symphonica" for the only the second time. I tried to see and hear it as others do.And I saw the luckiest man on earth.
"So much love given to one man.So many beautiful moments with family,friends,and all of you. I felt breathless for a moment.
"And as the words and music faded one thought played over and over again in my head.If only I had known,way back then,i'd have been one seriously happy kid. I love you. All of you...George Michael x (sic)"
George is back to his best after suffering injuries in a near fatal car crash in May last year when he fell out the passenger seat of a Range Rover on a busy M1 motorway near St Albans, close to London.
The star, who has also previously battled pneumonia, was airlifted to hospital - where he remained for two weeks - after suffering head injuries, cuts and bruises.
Despite his health problems, the singer signed a huge record deal with Universal Music last year and followed-up his 2004 record 'Patience' with his new album, released last month, which hit the top spot in the UK Album Chart.
George Michael: I’m the luckiest man on earth
George Michael feels blessed to have had such a successful career and claims he is "the luckiest man on earth."
The 50-year-old singer, who has released his first album in ten years 'Symphonica', had an emotional moment sat watching live footage of his recent tour with his family.
He took to Twitter this morning (10.04.14) and thanked fans for their support by writing: "There are no words that can describe how much I owe each and every one of you, so I shall not try.
"I sat in my sisters house yesterday and watched "Symphonica" for the only the second time. I tried to see and hear it as others do.And I saw the luckiest man on earth.
"So much love given to one man.So many beautiful moments with family,friends,and all of you. I felt breathless for a moment.
"And as the words and music faded one thought played over and over again in my head.If only I had known,way back then,i'd have been one seriously happy kid. I love you. All of you...George Michael x (sic)"
George is back to his best after suffering injuries in a near fatal car crash in May last year when he fell out the passenger seat of a Range Rover on a busy M1 motorway near St Albans, close to London.
The star, who has also previously battled pneumonia, was airlifted to hospital - where he remained for two weeks - after suffering head injuries, cuts and bruises.
Despite his health problems, the singer signed a huge record deal with Universal Music last year and followed-up his 2004 record 'Patience' with his new album, released last month, which hit the top spot in the UK Album Chart.
Music News
Robbie Williams' forthcoming tour is inspired by "classic old musicals".
The 'Candy' hitmaker's 'Swing Both Ways Live' shows kick off in Budapest in two weeks time, and he has promised something "very special" for the 46 European shows.
He said: "This 'Swings Both Ways' tour is very different from any previous Robbie Williams tour, and I think it's going to be very special.
"When I was young the television companies in the UK saw fit to broadcast replay after replay after replay of all the classic old musicals. I think most kids my age were bored and turned off by things like that, but I wasn't. I was engrossed in it all, lost in the magic of the glamour, and entranced by the craftsmanship of those times."
And the 40-year-old singer went on to suggest the shows will have a "variety" feel to them.
He added: "I want this to be a show that gives you the same feeling that I used to have at my grandma's on a Saturday night, watching the 'Morecambe & Wise Show' on TV: a show with variety and lots of showbusiness moments. I know my jazz hands are going to be so tired after this tour. I intend to do my very best to ensure that every one of you is heavily entertained."
The shows will see Robbie perform tracks from last year's 'Swing Both Ways' album and 2001's 'Swing When You're Winning' backed by a classic big band and eight dancers, and joined by a number of special guests, including his father Pete Conway.
The 'Let Me Entertain You' hitmaker has also enlisted West End choreographer Alistair David to work alongside his longtime show producer Lee Lodge to help put the gigs together.
Robbie Williams reveals tour inspiration
Robbie Williams' forthcoming tour is inspired by "classic old musicals".
The 'Candy' hitmaker's 'Swing Both Ways Live' shows kick off in Budapest in two weeks time, and he has promised something "very special" for the 46 European shows.
He said: "This 'Swings Both Ways' tour is very different from any previous Robbie Williams tour, and I think it's going to be very special.
"When I was young the television companies in the UK saw fit to broadcast replay after replay after replay of all the classic old musicals. I think most kids my age were bored and turned off by things like that, but I wasn't. I was engrossed in it all, lost in the magic of the glamour, and entranced by the craftsmanship of those times."
And the 40-year-old singer went on to suggest the shows will have a "variety" feel to them.
He added: "I want this to be a show that gives you the same feeling that I used to have at my grandma's on a Saturday night, watching the 'Morecambe & Wise Show' on TV: a show with variety and lots of showbusiness moments. I know my jazz hands are going to be so tired after this tour. I intend to do my very best to ensure that every one of you is heavily entertained."
The shows will see Robbie perform tracks from last year's 'Swing Both Ways' album and 2001's 'Swing When You're Winning' backed by a classic big band and eight dancers, and joined by a number of special guests, including his father Pete Conway.
The 'Let Me Entertain You' hitmaker has also enlisted West End choreographer Alistair David to work alongside his longtime show producer Lee Lodge to help put the gigs together.
Music News
Courtney Love claims her 2004 debut solo album 'American Sweetheart' was her "one really bad black mark" in her career.
The Hole singer, who will soon be back with new music and is planning to tour the UK next month as a solo artist, doesn't have many regrets when it comes to her previous records.
She told NME magazine: "I love 'Nobody's Daughter' [Hole's fourth album in 2010]. It might have only sold two copies but I don't give a sh*t, it's just a great, great record."
The 49-year-old singer claims her new material is for the "indie charts" and first track 'Wedding Day' is "like an old-school '90s alternative single."
She explained: "There aren't a lot of indie charts - there's 52 alternative stations left in the United States, I think - but it's not gonna cross over, because it's got too many 'f**ks and 'sh*ts' in it.
"At least I don't use the word wh**e, because I think I've used that word more in my oeuvre than anybody else, ever."
She added that she plans to record some more "pretty songs" to add to the new material, including a track written by Linda Perry called 'And We Drown'.
Courtney added: "She might give me it, she might not - this tune called 'Diamonds And Rolling Stones'. It's really good, so I'm gonna see if she'll let me use that."
Courtney Love: My debut solo was black mark
Courtney Love claims her 2004 debut solo album 'American Sweetheart' was her "one really bad black mark" in her career.
The Hole singer, who will soon be back with new music and is planning to tour the UK next month as a solo artist, doesn't have many regrets when it comes to her previous records.
She told NME magazine: "I love 'Nobody's Daughter' [Hole's fourth album in 2010]. It might have only sold two copies but I don't give a sh*t, it's just a great, great record."
The 49-year-old singer claims her new material is for the "indie charts" and first track 'Wedding Day' is "like an old-school '90s alternative single."
She explained: "There aren't a lot of indie charts - there's 52 alternative stations left in the United States, I think - but it's not gonna cross over, because it's got too many 'f**ks and 'sh*ts' in it.
"At least I don't use the word wh**e, because I think I've used that word more in my oeuvre than anybody else, ever."
She added that she plans to record some more "pretty songs" to add to the new material, including a track written by Linda Perry called 'And We Drown'.
Courtney added: "She might give me it, she might not - this tune called 'Diamonds And Rolling Stones'. It's really good, so I'm gonna see if she'll let me use that."
Music News
Simon Cowell is set to hold crisis talks with James Arthur.
The 54-year-old music mogul has denied dropping the controversial 'X Factor' winner from his record label, but admits the troublesome star - who was reportedly fired for rapping about a terrorist attack on his upcoming mixtape - needs to "calm down", and he is planning to hold a meeting with the 'Get Down' crooner soon.
Speaking at the launch of the new series of 'Britain's Got Talent' in London today (09.04.14), Simon told BANG Showbiz: "I think him and I need to sit down and have a conversation, to be honest.
"I haven't phoned him but I'm going to have to sit down with him. Apart from anything else, this silly 'You said this, I said this...', it's all nonsense. He's just got to calm down a bit."
Simon also addressed the 26-year-old singer's jibes on Twitter towards his management and publicity teams, insisting James is entitled to his opinion but ought to "relax".
He reasoned: "On one side it's annoying [as a label executive], on the other side it's like, you know what, he's entitled to say whatever he wants to say.
"What I would say to him is to put things into perspective: you won a show, you wouldn't have got a record deal - probably - without the show, you've sold a ton of records, you're famous. Just go in the studio and make a great record. Relax."
Simon Cowell to hold crisis talks with James Arthur
Simon Cowell is set to hold crisis talks with James Arthur.
The 54-year-old music mogul has denied dropping the controversial 'X Factor' winner from his record label, but admits the troublesome star - who was reportedly fired for rapping about a terrorist attack on his upcoming mixtape - needs to "calm down", and he is planning to hold a meeting with the 'Get Down' crooner soon.
Speaking at the launch of the new series of 'Britain's Got Talent' in London today (09.04.14), Simon told BANG Showbiz: "I think him and I need to sit down and have a conversation, to be honest.
"I haven't phoned him but I'm going to have to sit down with him. Apart from anything else, this silly 'You said this, I said this...', it's all nonsense. He's just got to calm down a bit."
Simon also addressed the 26-year-old singer's jibes on Twitter towards his management and publicity teams, insisting James is entitled to his opinion but ought to "relax".
He reasoned: "On one side it's annoying [as a label executive], on the other side it's like, you know what, he's entitled to say whatever he wants to say.
"What I would say to him is to put things into perspective: you won a show, you wouldn't have got a record deal - probably - without the show, you've sold a ton of records, you're famous. Just go in the studio and make a great record. Relax."
Music News
Lorde and Imagine Dragons lead the way with the most nominations for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.
The 17-year-old singer-songwriter and rock band each have 12 nominations each, while Justin Timberlake has 11, Katy Perry has 10 and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have eight.
According to Billboard, the list is based on annual "key fan interactions with music, including album and digital singles sales, radio airplay, touring, streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, VEVO, Spotify and other popular online destinations for music."
Miley Cyrus, Luke Bryan and Bruno Mars are among the other nominated artists, as well as Beyonce, Eminem and One Direction.
The awards will air live on ABC from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 18.
All of the nominated acts released new material between March last year and March 2014.
List of main nominees for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards..
Top Artist
Miley Cyrus
Imagine Dragons
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Justin Timberlake
Top New Artist
Bastille
Capital Cities
Ariana Grande
Lorde
Passenger
Top Male Artist
Luke Bryan
Drake
Eminem
Bruno Mars
Justin Timberlake
Top Female Artist
Beyonce
Miley Cyrus
Lorde
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Top Duo/Group
Florida Georgia Line
Imagine Dragons
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
One Direction
OneRepublic
Top Billboard 200 Artist
Beyonce
Luke Bryan
Eminem
One Direction
Justin Timberlake
Lorde and Imagine Dragons lead Billboard nominations
Lorde and Imagine Dragons lead the way with the most nominations for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.
The 17-year-old singer-songwriter and rock band each have 12 nominations each, while Justin Timberlake has 11, Katy Perry has 10 and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have eight.
According to Billboard, the list is based on annual "key fan interactions with music, including album and digital singles sales, radio airplay, touring, streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, VEVO, Spotify and other popular online destinations for music."
Miley Cyrus, Luke Bryan and Bruno Mars are among the other nominated artists, as well as Beyonce, Eminem and One Direction.
The awards will air live on ABC from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 18.
All of the nominated acts released new material between March last year and March 2014.
List of main nominees for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards..
Top Artist
Miley Cyrus
Imagine Dragons
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Justin Timberlake
Top New Artist
Bastille
Capital Cities
Ariana Grande
Lorde
Passenger
Top Male Artist
Luke Bryan
Drake
Eminem
Bruno Mars
Justin Timberlake
Top Female Artist
Beyonce
Miley Cyrus
Lorde
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Top Duo/Group
Florida Georgia Line
Imagine Dragons
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
One Direction
OneRepublic
Top Billboard 200 Artist
Beyonce
Luke Bryan
Eminem
One Direction
Justin Timberlake
Music News
Damon Albarn is "sure" Blur will play live again.
The frontman releases his debut solo album 'Everyday Robots' this month but is still close to his band mates Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree, who helped him celebrate his 46th birthday on March 23, and he claims they will take to the stage again.
He said: "Graham was at my surprise party on Friday, along with Dave and Alex.
"Everything is good between us all. When you get to our age, you accept people for who they are, you know."
Damon insists it's "b****cks" that their planned appearance at Australia's Big Day Out festival later this year, which they pulled out of, was set to be their last gig.
He explained: "I said it's the last gig of a brilliant period we spent doing these gigs and we didn't want to sully it by going to something that was badly organised and where things weren't as they should have been.
"I'm sure we'll play again at some point. It'd be mad to go for the rest of our life and never play any of those songs again."
The singer also revealed he could record another Gorrliaz album with his music partner Jamie Hewlett as soon as "next week".
He said: "I can definitely see another Gorrilaz-esque record at some point, yeah. That will almost definitely happen. I could put a Gorrilaz album out next week, I've got enough stuff that I haven't finished. The only thing really that defines a Gorrilaz record in my head is when I just play most of it on keyboards.
"I've just been in Paris with Jamie Hewlett. There are points in everyone's relationship where they fall out with people that they're close to and then they reconcile, hopefully, and actually, you know, the relationship's probably in a healthier place as a result of that."
Damon Albarn: Blur will play live again
Damon Albarn is "sure" Blur will play live again.
The frontman releases his debut solo album 'Everyday Robots' this month but is still close to his band mates Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree, who helped him celebrate his 46th birthday on March 23, and he claims they will take to the stage again.
He said: "Graham was at my surprise party on Friday, along with Dave and Alex.
"Everything is good between us all. When you get to our age, you accept people for who they are, you know."
Damon insists it's "b****cks" that their planned appearance at Australia's Big Day Out festival later this year, which they pulled out of, was set to be their last gig.
He explained: "I said it's the last gig of a brilliant period we spent doing these gigs and we didn't want to sully it by going to something that was badly organised and where things weren't as they should have been.
"I'm sure we'll play again at some point. It'd be mad to go for the rest of our life and never play any of those songs again."
The singer also revealed he could record another Gorrliaz album with his music partner Jamie Hewlett as soon as "next week".
He said: "I can definitely see another Gorrilaz-esque record at some point, yeah. That will almost definitely happen. I could put a Gorrilaz album out next week, I've got enough stuff that I haven't finished. The only thing really that defines a Gorrilaz record in my head is when I just play most of it on keyboards.
"I've just been in Paris with Jamie Hewlett. There are points in everyone's relationship where they fall out with people that they're close to and then they reconcile, hopefully, and actually, you know, the relationship's probably in a healthier place as a result of that."