Music News
Music News
Justin Bieber has scrapped an entire album.
The 21-year-old singer recently apologised for his past conduct - including wild parties, being arrested for driving offenses and egging a neighbour's house - and vowed to be a better person, and as a result of his new outlook on life, he realised the music he had been making didn't reflect where his "head's at" so ditched the recordings to make new songs.
He said: "My whole direction has changed. What you are thinking about all the time is what you write, and now that I'm thinking about more positive things, it completely changes my music.
"I had to re-do my whole album. It was done but it didn't match up to where I am now and where my head's at.
"I want to tell my story, but I also want to give people hope. I lost hope for a while, I was in a dark place, but it's about getting out of that rut. It's about knowing there's sunshine on the other side."
Instead, Justin's new album - the follow-up to 2012's 'Believe' - will focus on "growing, hope and faith".
Asked what it will be about, he told USA Today newspaper: "About growing, being in touch with yourself.
"What can I say, it's life experiences, and knowing that you can and get back up and keep going.
"Hope and faith, that's what's gotten me through this too, my faith. What I believe in.
"You're around some people sometimes and it might taint what you believe. I think that's what happened with me, I lowered my beliefs."
Justin is working with Kanye West and producer Rick Rubin on the record and thinks the finished album will be a big surprise to people.
He said: "I'm finishing up the album now, working with Kanye and Rick. I'm not rushing it, I'll just wait until it's totally done.
"I don't want to say, 'It's different', because that's what everyone says. But it is different, it's a grown-up version of Justin and I think people will be shocked."
Justin Bieber scrapped album
Justin Bieber has scrapped an entire album.
The 21-year-old singer recently apologised for his past conduct - including wild parties, being arrested for driving offenses and egging a neighbour's house - and vowed to be a better person, and as a result of his new outlook on life, he realised the music he had been making didn't reflect where his "head's at" so ditched the recordings to make new songs.
He said: "My whole direction has changed. What you are thinking about all the time is what you write, and now that I'm thinking about more positive things, it completely changes my music.
"I had to re-do my whole album. It was done but it didn't match up to where I am now and where my head's at.
"I want to tell my story, but I also want to give people hope. I lost hope for a while, I was in a dark place, but it's about getting out of that rut. It's about knowing there's sunshine on the other side."
Instead, Justin's new album - the follow-up to 2012's 'Believe' - will focus on "growing, hope and faith".
Asked what it will be about, he told USA Today newspaper: "About growing, being in touch with yourself.
"What can I say, it's life experiences, and knowing that you can and get back up and keep going.
"Hope and faith, that's what's gotten me through this too, my faith. What I believe in.
"You're around some people sometimes and it might taint what you believe. I think that's what happened with me, I lowered my beliefs."
Justin is working with Kanye West and producer Rick Rubin on the record and thinks the finished album will be a big surprise to people.
He said: "I'm finishing up the album now, working with Kanye and Rick. I'm not rushing it, I'll just wait until it's totally done.
"I don't want to say, 'It's different', because that's what everyone says. But it is different, it's a grown-up version of Justin and I think people will be shocked."
Music News
Graham Coxon has a "telepathic" connection with Damon Albarn.
The Blur guitarist believes the pair have developed a unique way to collaborate thanks to their awareness of each other through years of making music together.
He said: "I think Damon has this great knack of saying, in very few words, what I realise I'm sort of feeling as well.
"I think I've just developed a telepathic way of backing him on the guitar. It's just what's happened over the years."
The 'Song 2' hitmakers took to the stage at a West London club for an intimate performance of tracks from their upcoming album 'The Magic Whip', their first since 2003's 'Think Tank'.
Speaking about the new LP to Beats by Dr. Dre before their headline show, Graham said: "We were in Hong Kong. We didn't even know we were going to record. We had pressure from people, fans etcetera, to do it so we just thought, 'Well, we'll do it without telling anyone. It'll take the pressure off.'
"But then we had this super idea to find a studio and go in there and see what happens. We didn't really know what to expect; we just did it. We've been playing with each other quite a lot since 2009; we're quite used to each other again and it just seemed like a kind of obvious thing to do.
"It's an interesting record because there are going to be familiar moments like 'Lonesome Street' and maybe 'I Broadcast' and these sort of songs people will be very familiar with... There's really unfamiliar territory (too)... I wanted it to be inspiring to the others."
Graham Coxon’s ‘telepathic’ connection
Graham Coxon has a "telepathic" connection with Damon Albarn.
The Blur guitarist believes the pair have developed a unique way to collaborate thanks to their awareness of each other through years of making music together.
He said: "I think Damon has this great knack of saying, in very few words, what I realise I'm sort of feeling as well.
"I think I've just developed a telepathic way of backing him on the guitar. It's just what's happened over the years."
The 'Song 2' hitmakers took to the stage at a West London club for an intimate performance of tracks from their upcoming album 'The Magic Whip', their first since 2003's 'Think Tank'.
Speaking about the new LP to Beats by Dr. Dre before their headline show, Graham said: "We were in Hong Kong. We didn't even know we were going to record. We had pressure from people, fans etcetera, to do it so we just thought, 'Well, we'll do it without telling anyone. It'll take the pressure off.'
"But then we had this super idea to find a studio and go in there and see what happens. We didn't really know what to expect; we just did it. We've been playing with each other quite a lot since 2009; we're quite used to each other again and it just seemed like a kind of obvious thing to do.
"It's an interesting record because there are going to be familiar moments like 'Lonesome Street' and maybe 'I Broadcast' and these sort of songs people will be very familiar with... There's really unfamiliar territory (too)... I wanted it to be inspiring to the others."
Music News
Noel Gallagher was praised by Roger Daltrey for being such a "loyal friend and loyal supporter" of the Teenage Cancer Trust ahead of his concert on Saturday night (28.03.15).
The Who frontman came on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London before the Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds show to pay tribute to the former Oasis guitarist for always being willing to play for the charity - which aims to improve the treatment of 13 to 24 year olds fighting cancer.
Introducing Noel, Roger - who was joined on stage by several young people helped by the UK organisation - said: "Coming on soon is a very loyal friend and loyal supporter. He's been involved from the first day, just as Paul Weller has and Kelly Jones. On in a few minutes Noel Gallagher."
Noel and his band stepped on stage to a rapturous reception from the sell-out crowd and opened with 'Do The Damage'.
The musician's set was packed with tracks from his new number one album 'Chasing Yesterday' and highlights included 'Lock All The Doors', 'The Dying of the Light', 'You Know We Can't Go Back' and 'In the Heat of the Moment'.
Noel was joined on stage by a horn section and the Crouch End Festival Chorus, who accompanied him for several songs including 'Everybody's On The Run', 'If I Had a Gun...' and a stripped down version of Oasis classic 'Champagne Supernova' which prompted a mass sing-along from fans.
Although the set was mainly comprised of solo songs, the rocker did play a handful of tracks by his former band, including fan favourite B-side 'Fade Away' and 'Digsy's Dinner' - from the group's 1994 debut LP 'Definitely Maybe'.
At one point between songs one cheeky admirer approached the stage and asked Noel for his autograph, which prompted the 47-year-old singer to quip: "Sign your ticket? I'm a bit busy mate at the moment."
The group exited the stage briefly, whipping the crowd into a frenzied "Noel, Noel, Noel" chant before returning for their encore.
The rock superstar sent the audience delirious with a rendition of Oasis classic 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and followed it up with 'AKA... What a Life!' to cheers of delight.
Noel closed the concert with Oasis track 'The Masterplan' to which the crowd sang along with every word.
A number of famous fans were at the gig, including former 'Doctor Who' actor Matt Smith and Queens Park Rangers soccer player Joey Barton - who previously played for Noel's favourite team Manchester City.
Barton took his Twitter account during the show, posting: "Masterplan... Wow... (sic)"
Noel Gallagher praised for Teenage Cancer Trust Support by Daltrey
Noel Gallagher was praised by Roger Daltrey for being such a "loyal friend and loyal supporter" of the Teenage Cancer Trust ahead of his concert on Saturday night (28.03.15).
The Who frontman came on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London before the Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds show to pay tribute to the former Oasis guitarist for always being willing to play for the charity - which aims to improve the treatment of 13 to 24 year olds fighting cancer.
Introducing Noel, Roger - who was joined on stage by several young people helped by the UK organisation - said: "Coming on soon is a very loyal friend and loyal supporter. He's been involved from the first day, just as Paul Weller has and Kelly Jones. On in a few minutes Noel Gallagher."
Noel and his band stepped on stage to a rapturous reception from the sell-out crowd and opened with 'Do The Damage'.
The musician's set was packed with tracks from his new number one album 'Chasing Yesterday' and highlights included 'Lock All The Doors', 'The Dying of the Light', 'You Know We Can't Go Back' and 'In the Heat of the Moment'.
Noel was joined on stage by a horn section and the Crouch End Festival Chorus, who accompanied him for several songs including 'Everybody's On The Run', 'If I Had a Gun...' and a stripped down version of Oasis classic 'Champagne Supernova' which prompted a mass sing-along from fans.
Although the set was mainly comprised of solo songs, the rocker did play a handful of tracks by his former band, including fan favourite B-side 'Fade Away' and 'Digsy's Dinner' - from the group's 1994 debut LP 'Definitely Maybe'.
At one point between songs one cheeky admirer approached the stage and asked Noel for his autograph, which prompted the 47-year-old singer to quip: "Sign your ticket? I'm a bit busy mate at the moment."
The group exited the stage briefly, whipping the crowd into a frenzied "Noel, Noel, Noel" chant before returning for their encore.
The rock superstar sent the audience delirious with a rendition of Oasis classic 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and followed it up with 'AKA... What a Life!' to cheers of delight.
Noel closed the concert with Oasis track 'The Masterplan' to which the crowd sang along with every word.
A number of famous fans were at the gig, including former 'Doctor Who' actor Matt Smith and Queens Park Rangers soccer player Joey Barton - who previously played for Noel's favourite team Manchester City.
Barton took his Twitter account during the show, posting: "Masterplan... Wow... (sic)"
Music News
Adam Lambert is "building a little clique" with Sam Smith.
The 'For Your Entertainment' hitmaker believes him and the 'Stay With Me' singer have an "understanding" and has praised the star for bringing sexuality to the forefront of the industry.
He said: "Sam Smith, hats off, he has had an amazing year, he's a lovely guy. I've met him a few times. I'm so happy for him, and I'm so happy his sexuality wasn't a big thorn in his side.
"It was just: 'This is who I am, I'm cool with it and so you should be too.' And his songs are timeless and beautiful, and everybody relates to them. He's doing it right, for sure. I think with me and Sam, there's definitely an understanding there, like, 'Hey gurl, how you doing?'
"But you know, there's only a few of us actually, on a mainstream level. I think we're building a little clique, I hope, but I haven't met that many."
The 33-year-old singer also spoke up about his meetings with pop icons Sir Elton John - who he dubbed a "sweetheart" - and Boy George.
Speaking in the May issue of Attitude magazine, he said: "I mean, Elton John is amazing, what a sweetheart, and Boy George is also incredible.
"I've sat down and had lunch with him before, he's so smart and has been though a lot, and now he's in a really good, healthy space, and loves music and is DJing and is still really connected to pop culture. He was really interesting to talk to."
Adam Lambert and Sam Smith’s ‘clique’
Adam Lambert is "building a little clique" with Sam Smith.
The 'For Your Entertainment' hitmaker believes him and the 'Stay With Me' singer have an "understanding" and has praised the star for bringing sexuality to the forefront of the industry.
He said: "Sam Smith, hats off, he has had an amazing year, he's a lovely guy. I've met him a few times. I'm so happy for him, and I'm so happy his sexuality wasn't a big thorn in his side.
"It was just: 'This is who I am, I'm cool with it and so you should be too.' And his songs are timeless and beautiful, and everybody relates to them. He's doing it right, for sure. I think with me and Sam, there's definitely an understanding there, like, 'Hey gurl, how you doing?'
"But you know, there's only a few of us actually, on a mainstream level. I think we're building a little clique, I hope, but I haven't met that many."
The 33-year-old singer also spoke up about his meetings with pop icons Sir Elton John - who he dubbed a "sweetheart" - and Boy George.
Speaking in the May issue of Attitude magazine, he said: "I mean, Elton John is amazing, what a sweetheart, and Boy George is also incredible.
"I've sat down and had lunch with him before, he's so smart and has been though a lot, and now he's in a really good, healthy space, and loves music and is DJing and is still really connected to pop culture. He was really interesting to talk to."
Music News
Destiny's Child made a surprise reunion at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland joined Michelle Williams on stage to perform her track 'Say Yes' - on which they both feature.
Michelle's performance began with a rendition of 'Alpha & Omega' whilst Beyoncé and Kelly faced away from the stage.
When the pair turned around and began belting out 'Say Yes', the whole room filled with applause from the excited crowd.
Making their appearance at the award show on Saturday (28.03.15) in Las Vegas was their first group performance since the 2013 Super Bowl, where they had joined Beyoncé for her prestigious half-time set.
Fans of the group - which formally split in 2006 - who are hoping for a reunion tour and album may be in luck as Beyoncé's father Mathew Knowles hinted the band may get back together.
He said previously: "What folks don't know is that I am still the manager of Destiny's Child.
"You see them doing songs together, now they've done two. There might be another Destiny's Child album coming.
"There might be this tour that makes history with Destiny's Child featuring Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle. Can you imagine what that would be like."
Destiny’s Child reunited at Stellar Awards
Destiny's Child made a surprise reunion at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland joined Michelle Williams on stage to perform her track 'Say Yes' - on which they both feature.
Michelle's performance began with a rendition of 'Alpha & Omega' whilst Beyoncé and Kelly faced away from the stage.
When the pair turned around and began belting out 'Say Yes', the whole room filled with applause from the excited crowd.
Making their appearance at the award show on Saturday (28.03.15) in Las Vegas was their first group performance since the 2013 Super Bowl, where they had joined Beyoncé for her prestigious half-time set.
Fans of the group - which formally split in 2006 - who are hoping for a reunion tour and album may be in luck as Beyoncé's father Mathew Knowles hinted the band may get back together.
He said previously: "What folks don't know is that I am still the manager of Destiny's Child.
"You see them doing songs together, now they've done two. There might be another Destiny's Child album coming.
"There might be this tour that makes history with Destiny's Child featuring Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle. Can you imagine what that would be like."
Music News
Taylor Swift was crowned Artist of the Year at the iHeart Radio Music Awards.
The 'I Knew You Were Trouble' hitmaker beat off competition from Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith, Luke Bryan and Ariana Grande to take home the night's biggest prize at LA's Shrine Auditorium yesterday (29.03.15).
The 25-year-old singer also picked up the Best Lyrics Award for her hit single 'Blank Space' and the Best Song gong for 'Shake It Off'.
The blonde beauty looked emotional as she received the accolades and thanked her fans for their support.
She said: "More than anything in the world, I just hope that any of the fans watching know how much I adore you ... we've gotten closer and closer with each year, not further apart. Like, you make me so happy."
As well as bagging herself the prizes, Taylor took to the stage for a surprise performance and accompanied Madonna on guitar as she sang her new track 'Ghost Town'.
Justin Timberlake was also honoured at the ceremony with the innovator award - which was presented to him by fashion designer Tom Ford - while Sam Smith was crowned Best New Artist.
iHeart Radio Music Awards 2015 winners list:
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: Taylor Swift - Shake it Off
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Best Lyrics: Taylor Swift - Blank Space
Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year: Jeremih featuring YG - Don't tell 'em
Country Song of the Year: Jason Aldean - Burnin' It Down
Best Fan Army: 5SOSFAM -- 5 Seconds of Summer
Best Collaboration: Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang
Renegade: Brantley Gilbert
Alternative Rock Song of the Year: Hozier - Take Me to Church
Taylor Swift wins Artist of the Year at iHeart Radio Music Awards
Taylor Swift was crowned Artist of the Year at the iHeart Radio Music Awards.
The 'I Knew You Were Trouble' hitmaker beat off competition from Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith, Luke Bryan and Ariana Grande to take home the night's biggest prize at LA's Shrine Auditorium yesterday (29.03.15).
The 25-year-old singer also picked up the Best Lyrics Award for her hit single 'Blank Space' and the Best Song gong for 'Shake It Off'.
The blonde beauty looked emotional as she received the accolades and thanked her fans for their support.
She said: "More than anything in the world, I just hope that any of the fans watching know how much I adore you ... we've gotten closer and closer with each year, not further apart. Like, you make me so happy."
As well as bagging herself the prizes, Taylor took to the stage for a surprise performance and accompanied Madonna on guitar as she sang her new track 'Ghost Town'.
Justin Timberlake was also honoured at the ceremony with the innovator award - which was presented to him by fashion designer Tom Ford - while Sam Smith was crowned Best New Artist.
iHeart Radio Music Awards 2015 winners list:
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: Taylor Swift - Shake it Off
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Best Lyrics: Taylor Swift - Blank Space
Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year: Jeremih featuring YG - Don't tell 'em
Country Song of the Year: Jason Aldean - Burnin' It Down
Best Fan Army: 5SOSFAM -- 5 Seconds of Summer
Best Collaboration: Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang
Renegade: Brantley Gilbert
Alternative Rock Song of the Year: Hozier - Take Me to Church
Music News
Niall Horan says One Direction have started work on their new album.
The popular boyband - which also includes Harry Styles, Liam Paye and Louis Tomlinson - recently saw Zayn Malik walk away from the spotlight, but Niall has revealed plans to make a new record remain on track.
Writing on Twitter yesterday (29.03.15), he shared: "Had a sit down last night with the label, started organising our writing sessions for the next album! F**k yeaaaahhhh! Can't wait (sic)"
This comes shortly after Zayn, 22, revealed he only stayed with One Direction for the sake of "other people's happiness".
The singer said he's wanted to walk away from the spotlight for some time.
He said: "You know, I did try to do something that I wasn't happy doing for a while, for the sake of maybe other people's happiness.
"And that was mainly the fans. And I only ever tried to do it for the fans, and it was only ever for them.
"And basically, I'm only upset (because) I feel like I may have let them down in some sort of way.
"That's the main thing that I don't want to happen.
"It's not that I've turned my back on them or anything, it's just that I just can't do that anymore because it's not real to me."
One Direction have started work on their new album
Niall Horan says One Direction have started work on their new album.
The popular boyband - which also includes Harry Styles, Liam Paye and Louis Tomlinson - recently saw Zayn Malik walk away from the spotlight, but Niall has revealed plans to make a new record remain on track.
Writing on Twitter yesterday (29.03.15), he shared: "Had a sit down last night with the label, started organising our writing sessions for the next album! F**k yeaaaahhhh! Can't wait (sic)"
This comes shortly after Zayn, 22, revealed he only stayed with One Direction for the sake of "other people's happiness".
The singer said he's wanted to walk away from the spotlight for some time.
He said: "You know, I did try to do something that I wasn't happy doing for a while, for the sake of maybe other people's happiness.
"And that was mainly the fans. And I only ever tried to do it for the fans, and it was only ever for them.
"And basically, I'm only upset (because) I feel like I may have let them down in some sort of way.
"That's the main thing that I don't want to happen.
"It's not that I've turned my back on them or anything, it's just that I just can't do that anymore because it's not real to me."
Music News
Marina and the Diamonds will be "very different" on her next album.
The 29-year-old singer recently released her third studio album 'FROOT' but has already started thinking about her next release, which she says will feature completely different music because she always likes to have new sounds on her records.
She said: "As an artist, to be challenged and stimulated is really important.
"Whatever I go on to do is going to be very different again. I have to have that because otherwise there's no point in me doing this. I don't want to recreate the same album. Even in terms of songwriting and production, you have to be progressing, otherwise I don't wanna do it anymore."
The 'Primadonna' hitmaker - who previously released albums 'The Family Jewels' in 2010 and 'Electra Heart' in 2012 - explained although her latest release is her third LP, she feels it is the first collection of tracks which truly represents her.
She continued: "I kind of see this as a starting point for me as a songwriter and an artist. This is the first album I've been properly represented in."
Speaking about her future music, she added she wants to distance herself from pop music, although didn't hint at what genre she is looking to venture into.
Speaking in the April issue of DIY Magazine, she said: "I wanna go on to do other things that are completely out of the mainstream - outside of pop."
Marina and the Diamonds teases ‘very different’ fourth album
Marina and the Diamonds will be "very different" on her next album.
The 29-year-old singer recently released her third studio album 'FROOT' but has already started thinking about her next release, which she says will feature completely different music because she always likes to have new sounds on her records.
She said: "As an artist, to be challenged and stimulated is really important.
"Whatever I go on to do is going to be very different again. I have to have that because otherwise there's no point in me doing this. I don't want to recreate the same album. Even in terms of songwriting and production, you have to be progressing, otherwise I don't wanna do it anymore."
The 'Primadonna' hitmaker - who previously released albums 'The Family Jewels' in 2010 and 'Electra Heart' in 2012 - explained although her latest release is her third LP, she feels it is the first collection of tracks which truly represents her.
She continued: "I kind of see this as a starting point for me as a songwriter and an artist. This is the first album I've been properly represented in."
Speaking about her future music, she added she wants to distance herself from pop music, although didn't hint at what genre she is looking to venture into.
Speaking in the April issue of DIY Magazine, she said: "I wanna go on to do other things that are completely out of the mainstream - outside of pop."
Music News
Tim Burgess quit drugs because he couldn't sing anymore.
The Charlatans frontman realised he needed to get sober during recording for the group's 2006 album 'Simpatico' because he was completely "incapacitated" by his habit.
He said: "I couldn't sing anymore. I stopped being able to sing.
"I really wanted [producer] Adrian Sherwood to do the album and there were other forces that got us to try and turn a dub-inspired album into a rock album and I couldn't fight the battle because I was incapacitated.
"So I couldn't sing and I couldn't fight any battles and the music wasn't as good, so that was when I made a conscious decision to change everything.
"How bad had it got? Slurring on records."
His bandmate Mark Collins added: "There were moments we just went, 'Tim, come back in the morning.' "
Tim booked into a hotel for a self-imposed detox but then need to go to the "soul gym" to build himself back up.
He said: "I felt a bit like an empty shell for a while and I had to start building the stuff that makes the soul again.
"Coke's a rubbish drug and it does take the soul out of you. So I started going to the soul gym."
Though Tim - who now practices transcendental meditation - doesn't miss drugs, he doesn't regret his wild ways.
He added to NME magazine: "I enjoyed the experimentation. I don't miss it and I don't recognise that person really, but I know that that person enjoyed it.
"I can't imagine ever going back there at all, but I enjoyed the ritual of going to try and find some drugs just to go out and DJ.
"I'd wake up in the morning and think about it, 'I'd better call early.' "
Tim Burgess quit drugs for singing
Tim Burgess quit drugs because he couldn't sing anymore.
The Charlatans frontman realised he needed to get sober during recording for the group's 2006 album 'Simpatico' because he was completely "incapacitated" by his habit.
He said: "I couldn't sing anymore. I stopped being able to sing.
"I really wanted [producer] Adrian Sherwood to do the album and there were other forces that got us to try and turn a dub-inspired album into a rock album and I couldn't fight the battle because I was incapacitated.
"So I couldn't sing and I couldn't fight any battles and the music wasn't as good, so that was when I made a conscious decision to change everything.
"How bad had it got? Slurring on records."
His bandmate Mark Collins added: "There were moments we just went, 'Tim, come back in the morning.' "
Tim booked into a hotel for a self-imposed detox but then need to go to the "soul gym" to build himself back up.
He said: "I felt a bit like an empty shell for a while and I had to start building the stuff that makes the soul again.
"Coke's a rubbish drug and it does take the soul out of you. So I started going to the soul gym."
Though Tim - who now practices transcendental meditation - doesn't miss drugs, he doesn't regret his wild ways.
He added to NME magazine: "I enjoyed the experimentation. I don't miss it and I don't recognise that person really, but I know that that person enjoyed it.
"I can't imagine ever going back there at all, but I enjoyed the ritual of going to try and find some drugs just to go out and DJ.
"I'd wake up in the morning and think about it, 'I'd better call early.' "