Music News
Music News
Britney Spears is working with Beyoncé's songwriter.
Carla Marie Williams - who has worked with numerous pop stars, including the 'Halo' hitmaker and Kylie Minogue - has revealed she's helping the 'Toxic' singer on her new album.
She said: "Recently I've been working with Britney, which has been great."
Carla has also been busy in the studio with Beyoncé and has revealed fans can expect to listen to songs that deal with a lot of "real issues" on her upcoming "powerful" sixth solo album, from which 'Formation' has already been released.
The tunesmith told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "When I am in the studio with Beyoncé she makes you feel at ease you forget she's a superstar. I'm loving where she's going. I haven't heard the whole album but we're talking real issues. The new single we've done is very powerful."
As for Britney's eagerly-anticipated ninth studio LP - her first since 2013's 'Britney Jean' - the pop megastar believes it contains some of the best material she has recorded for some time.
Britney previously said: "I'm proud of the work, and it's very different; it's not what you would think at all. But I'm not rushing anything. I just want it to be done right, so that my fans will truly appreciate it. I would much rather have it be completely how I want it to be, whether that takes another year for me to do, or two months. I have no idea at this point.
"Honestly, I'm just particular with this record. It's my baby, and so I really want it done right."
Britney Spears working with Beyoncé songwriter
Britney Spears is working with Beyoncé's songwriter.
Carla Marie Williams - who has worked with numerous pop stars, including the 'Halo' hitmaker and Kylie Minogue - has revealed she's helping the 'Toxic' singer on her new album.
She said: "Recently I've been working with Britney, which has been great."
Carla has also been busy in the studio with Beyoncé and has revealed fans can expect to listen to songs that deal with a lot of "real issues" on her upcoming "powerful" sixth solo album, from which 'Formation' has already been released.
The tunesmith told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "When I am in the studio with Beyoncé she makes you feel at ease you forget she's a superstar. I'm loving where she's going. I haven't heard the whole album but we're talking real issues. The new single we've done is very powerful."
As for Britney's eagerly-anticipated ninth studio LP - her first since 2013's 'Britney Jean' - the pop megastar believes it contains some of the best material she has recorded for some time.
Britney previously said: "I'm proud of the work, and it's very different; it's not what you would think at all. But I'm not rushing anything. I just want it to be done right, so that my fans will truly appreciate it. I would much rather have it be completely how I want it to be, whether that takes another year for me to do, or two months. I have no idea at this point.
"Honestly, I'm just particular with this record. It's my baby, and so I really want it done right."
Music News
Garbage are releasing their first album in four years.
The rock group - consisting of Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig - are returning with 'Strange Little Birds', an 11-track LP which they have self-produced.
The record will be released on June 10 via the band's STUNVOLUME label and it comes amidst their tour of Europe and the UK - which kicks off on May 24.
The 'Why Do You Love Me' hitmakers announced the album release and artwork on Twitter yesterday (10.03.16), tweeting: "We're very excited to officially announce our new album 'Strange Little Birds' will be released on June 10th, 2016."
Frontwoman Shirley described the album's overlying principle as "keeping it fresh, and relying on instinct both "lyrically and musically."
She also compared it to their 1995 self-titled debut, which the group reissued and took on tour for its 20th anniversary last year.
She said: "To me, this record, funnily enough, has the most to do with the first record than any of the previous records. It's getting back to that beginner's headspace."
Working initially in Butch's basement and then at Red Razor Sounds in Los Angeles, Garbage drew on a variety of sources, from their recent fan letters back to the albums they loved growing up.
The 'Strange Little Birds' is "less fussed over" than anything they've done before
Butch added: "We fell in love with immediacy."
'Strange Little Birds' is the follow-up to 2012's 'Not Your Kind of People', and here's the new album's full tracklisting and their European tour dates:
'Strange Little Birds' tracklist:
01 Sometimes
02 Empty
03 Blackout
04 If I Lost You
05 Night Drive Loneliness
06 Even Though Our Love Is Doomed
07 Magnetized
08 We Never Tell
09 So We Can Stay Alive
10 Teaching Little Fingers To Play
11 Amends
Garbage announce first LP in four years
Garbage are releasing their first album in four years.
The rock group - consisting of Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig - are returning with 'Strange Little Birds', an 11-track LP which they have self-produced.
The record will be released on June 10 via the band's STUNVOLUME label and it comes amidst their tour of Europe and the UK - which kicks off on May 24.
The 'Why Do You Love Me' hitmakers announced the album release and artwork on Twitter yesterday (10.03.16), tweeting: "We're very excited to officially announce our new album 'Strange Little Birds' will be released on June 10th, 2016."
Frontwoman Shirley described the album's overlying principle as "keeping it fresh, and relying on instinct both "lyrically and musically."
She also compared it to their 1995 self-titled debut, which the group reissued and took on tour for its 20th anniversary last year.
She said: "To me, this record, funnily enough, has the most to do with the first record than any of the previous records. It's getting back to that beginner's headspace."
Working initially in Butch's basement and then at Red Razor Sounds in Los Angeles, Garbage drew on a variety of sources, from their recent fan letters back to the albums they loved growing up.
The 'Strange Little Birds' is "less fussed over" than anything they've done before
Butch added: "We fell in love with immediacy."
'Strange Little Birds' is the follow-up to 2012's 'Not Your Kind of People', and here's the new album's full tracklisting and their European tour dates:
'Strange Little Birds' tracklist:
01 Sometimes
02 Empty
03 Blackout
04 If I Lost You
05 Night Drive Loneliness
06 Even Though Our Love Is Doomed
07 Magnetized
08 We Never Tell
09 So We Can Stay Alive
10 Teaching Little Fingers To Play
11 Amends
Music News
Iggy Pop's 'Post Pop Depression' LP could be his last.
The 68-year-old rocker teamed up with Eagles of Death Metal's Josh Homme, Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders and Dean Fertita from the Dead Weather for the record and he is so pleased with how 17th studio album has turned out he wouldn't mind if it was his last ever release.
In an interview with The Sun newspaper, he said: "I shacked up in the desert with a bunch of guys to do the record. But then you find you've got a tiger by the tail and suddenly there is more travelling and a tour. I just don't think it would be wise for me to engage on this level constantly. I thought I would just throw my dice out on the table right now. I feel good about the record. I would be fine if this was my last album."
Before this collaborative project came along the Stooges frontman felt like a "creative failure" and admits he was "frustrated" after his 1993 record 'American Caesar' and it wasn't until 2009's 'Préliminaires' and 2012's 'Après' that he got his music-making mojo back.
He explained: "I was feeling like a creative failure in the recording sense. I felt stifled as vocalist, as a lyricist and as a person. I felt frustrated really with everything I had done since my 1993 album 'American Caesar'. That was the last one where I was really able to put pedal to the metal.
There had been a little daylight more recently in the form of 'Preliminaries' and 'Apres', the two albums I made which looked towards France.
I could forget the whole straitjacket and work on lyrics and vocals. But ultimately the time had come to help me and give it one big shot."
Iggy Pop: Post Pop Depression could be my last album
Iggy Pop's 'Post Pop Depression' LP could be his last.
The 68-year-old rocker teamed up with Eagles of Death Metal's Josh Homme, Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders and Dean Fertita from the Dead Weather for the record and he is so pleased with how 17th studio album has turned out he wouldn't mind if it was his last ever release.
In an interview with The Sun newspaper, he said: "I shacked up in the desert with a bunch of guys to do the record. But then you find you've got a tiger by the tail and suddenly there is more travelling and a tour. I just don't think it would be wise for me to engage on this level constantly. I thought I would just throw my dice out on the table right now. I feel good about the record. I would be fine if this was my last album."
Before this collaborative project came along the Stooges frontman felt like a "creative failure" and admits he was "frustrated" after his 1993 record 'American Caesar' and it wasn't until 2009's 'Préliminaires' and 2012's 'Après' that he got his music-making mojo back.
He explained: "I was feeling like a creative failure in the recording sense. I felt stifled as vocalist, as a lyricist and as a person. I felt frustrated really with everything I had done since my 1993 album 'American Caesar'. That was the last one where I was really able to put pedal to the metal.
There had been a little daylight more recently in the form of 'Preliminaries' and 'Apres', the two albums I made which looked towards France.
I could forget the whole straitjacket and work on lyrics and vocals. But ultimately the time had come to help me and give it one big shot."
Music News
Damon Albarn thinks more artists should be like Kanye West.
The Blur frontman has followed the controversial rapper's career ever since he emerged in the early 2000s and he believes modern pop stars could learn a thing or two from the 'Real Friends' hitmaker, whom he is a fan of.
Damon - who former animated band Gorillaz away from Blur and has numerous other side projects - said: "I've known Kanye since he first arrived. Some of his ideas are brilliant and some of them are really bad, but that doesn't matter ... He's interesting, definitely. I'd rather people were like that than just really safe."
The 'Song 2' hitmaker - who is the chief songwriter for Blur - also offered his thoughts on Kanye's decision to stream his latest LP 'The Life of Pablo' exclusively on Jay Z's paid-for streaming service Tidal.
Damon doesn't think it's the right platform for Kanye's music and he thinks he should want to reach as wide an audience as possible with his music.
The Britpop legend told website Noisey: "He's put it on Tidal has he? That's probably not the best place for it."
Damon's comments come after Kanye said he will not be releasing his music on CD any more because he thinks the format is dead.
He previously tweeted: "I was thinking about not making CDs ever again ... Only streaming ... the Yeezus album packaging was an open casket to CDs r.i.p ... uuuuuuum, so there it is ... No more CDs from me (sic)"
Damon Albarn: Artists should take risks like Kanye West
Damon Albarn thinks more artists should be like Kanye West.
The Blur frontman has followed the controversial rapper's career ever since he emerged in the early 2000s and he believes modern pop stars could learn a thing or two from the 'Real Friends' hitmaker, whom he is a fan of.
Damon - who former animated band Gorillaz away from Blur and has numerous other side projects - said: "I've known Kanye since he first arrived. Some of his ideas are brilliant and some of them are really bad, but that doesn't matter ... He's interesting, definitely. I'd rather people were like that than just really safe."
The 'Song 2' hitmaker - who is the chief songwriter for Blur - also offered his thoughts on Kanye's decision to stream his latest LP 'The Life of Pablo' exclusively on Jay Z's paid-for streaming service Tidal.
Damon doesn't think it's the right platform for Kanye's music and he thinks he should want to reach as wide an audience as possible with his music.
The Britpop legend told website Noisey: "He's put it on Tidal has he? That's probably not the best place for it."
Damon's comments come after Kanye said he will not be releasing his music on CD any more because he thinks the format is dead.
He previously tweeted: "I was thinking about not making CDs ever again ... Only streaming ... the Yeezus album packaging was an open casket to CDs r.i.p ... uuuuuuum, so there it is ... No more CDs from me (sic)"
Music News
Kiefer Sutherland has announced his debut album and tour.
The '24' actor is preparing for the release of the "folk-tinged" 'Down in the Hole' and will also embark on a 26-city tour in the US to support it.
Speaking about making the jump from acting to music, Kiefer revealed he has bared his soul on the 11-track record.
He said: "It's the closest thing I've ever had to a journal or diary. There is something very satisfying about being able to look back on my own life, good times and bad, and express those sentiments in music."
And Kiefer can't wait to share the tracks with his fans.
He explained: "As much as I have enjoyed the writing and recording process, I am experiencing great joy now being able to play these songs to a live audience, which was something I hadn't counted on."
In 2002, Kiefer founded the Ironworks record label with singer-songwriter Jude Cole, in order to help aspiring musicians to record and release their music.
Kiefer Sutherland announces debut album and tour
Kiefer Sutherland has announced his debut album and tour.
The '24' actor is preparing for the release of the "folk-tinged" 'Down in the Hole' and will also embark on a 26-city tour in the US to support it.
Speaking about making the jump from acting to music, Kiefer revealed he has bared his soul on the 11-track record.
He said: "It's the closest thing I've ever had to a journal or diary. There is something very satisfying about being able to look back on my own life, good times and bad, and express those sentiments in music."
And Kiefer can't wait to share the tracks with his fans.
He explained: "As much as I have enjoyed the writing and recording process, I am experiencing great joy now being able to play these songs to a live audience, which was something I hadn't counted on."
In 2002, Kiefer founded the Ironworks record label with singer-songwriter Jude Cole, in order to help aspiring musicians to record and release their music.
Music News
Gwen Stefani shelved an entire album to make 'This Is What Truth Feels Like'.
The 46-year-old singer had been working with other songwriters on her third solo LP but couldn't relate to any of the songs after splitting from husband Gavin Rossdale last October after 13 years of marriage.
She said: "Every song that people would write for me felt like me 12 years ago, me 10 years ago. And lyrically they could never touch my heart, ever."
Despite recording a full album, Gwen decided against releasing it once sessions for her forthcoming LP began to take off.
However, her record company were unconvinced by the material she was working on for the record.
Recalling a phone call which felt like "five people punching me in the stomach," she told the New York Times newspaper she was told: "We support you, you should put out an artistic record, and don't go for radio. It's over for you, basically."
But the 'Sweet Escape' hitmaker quickly caused a turnaround among executives.
John Janick, the chairman and chief executive of Interscope Geffen A&M, recalled "I said, 'I'm not sure you have the song that's going to really connect with people.'
"And two days later, she sent us 'Used to Love You.' "
Delighted Gwen was then told: "You have a hit".
The 'Used to Love You' singer admitted she is surprised she is still making music after so long.
She said: "I don't even understand how I could possibly have had this long a career, or a career at all.
"And that anyone cares, and that I'm relevant or anything, it just blows my mind."
Gwen Stefani shelved entire album
Gwen Stefani shelved an entire album to make 'This Is What Truth Feels Like'.
The 46-year-old singer had been working with other songwriters on her third solo LP but couldn't relate to any of the songs after splitting from husband Gavin Rossdale last October after 13 years of marriage.
She said: "Every song that people would write for me felt like me 12 years ago, me 10 years ago. And lyrically they could never touch my heart, ever."
Despite recording a full album, Gwen decided against releasing it once sessions for her forthcoming LP began to take off.
However, her record company were unconvinced by the material she was working on for the record.
Recalling a phone call which felt like "five people punching me in the stomach," she told the New York Times newspaper she was told: "We support you, you should put out an artistic record, and don't go for radio. It's over for you, basically."
But the 'Sweet Escape' hitmaker quickly caused a turnaround among executives.
John Janick, the chairman and chief executive of Interscope Geffen A&M, recalled "I said, 'I'm not sure you have the song that's going to really connect with people.'
"And two days later, she sent us 'Used to Love You.' "
Delighted Gwen was then told: "You have a hit".
The 'Used to Love You' singer admitted she is surprised she is still making music after so long.
She said: "I don't even understand how I could possibly have had this long a career, or a career at all.
"And that anyone cares, and that I'm relevant or anything, it just blows my mind."
Music News
Zayn Malik has unveiled the third single from his debut solo album 'Mind of Mine'.
'Like I Would' was unveiled on Thursday (10.03.16) and follows the release of 'PiLlOwT4lk' which reached number one in more than 60 countries and his last track 'iT's YoU'.
The release of the latest track precedes the release of his LP on March 25.
Earlier this week, the former One Direction star released the tracklisting of the 14 songs that will make up his first LP since quitting the chart-topping boy band last March.
This third never-before-heard song, produced by XYZ, has been made available to fans who pre-order 'Mind of Mine'.
The 23-year-old singer announced his new single on his Twitter account, telling fans:"Turn this sh*z up !!!! LIKE I WOULD (sic)"
The names of the tracks - which feature on the highly-anticipated album - have been stylised to alternate capital letters and includes the likes of 'fOoL fOr YoU', 'BeFoUr' and his smash hit single 'PiLlOwT4lK'.
And that's not all, the deluxe version includes a further three songs - 'Blue', 'Bright', 'Like I Would' and 'She Don't Love Me'.
Zayn previously insisted he didn't plan to release his album 'Mind Of Mine' - which is due on March 25 - on the anniversary of the announcement of his departure from 1D.
He said: "I don't know, is that how it works out? It's March 25, it wasn't planned that way. It works that way. It just seems to coincide with the iTunes launch and everything. Maybe it's a sign."
The record will be available in standard and deluxe editions, as well as a deluxe exclusive version available only at Target.
All three editions are available for pre-order now.
Full tracklisting for 'Mind of Mine':
1.MiNd Of MiNdd
2.PiLlOwT4lK
3.iTs YoU
4.BeFoUr
5.sHe
6.dRuNk
7.INTERMISSION:fLoWer
8.rEaR vIeW
9.wRoNg
10.fOoL fOr YoU
11.BoRdErSz
12.tRuTh
13.lUcOzAdE
14.TiO
The deluxe edition also includes the following tracks:
15. Blue
16. Bright
17. Like I Would
18. She Don't Love Me
Zayn Malik unveils new single Like I Would
Zayn Malik has unveiled the third single from his debut solo album 'Mind of Mine'.
'Like I Would' was unveiled on Thursday (10.03.16) and follows the release of 'PiLlOwT4lk' which reached number one in more than 60 countries and his last track 'iT's YoU'.
The release of the latest track precedes the release of his LP on March 25.
Earlier this week, the former One Direction star released the tracklisting of the 14 songs that will make up his first LP since quitting the chart-topping boy band last March.
This third never-before-heard song, produced by XYZ, has been made available to fans who pre-order 'Mind of Mine'.
The 23-year-old singer announced his new single on his Twitter account, telling fans:"Turn this sh*z up !!!! LIKE I WOULD (sic)"
The names of the tracks - which feature on the highly-anticipated album - have been stylised to alternate capital letters and includes the likes of 'fOoL fOr YoU', 'BeFoUr' and his smash hit single 'PiLlOwT4lK'.
And that's not all, the deluxe version includes a further three songs - 'Blue', 'Bright', 'Like I Would' and 'She Don't Love Me'.
Zayn previously insisted he didn't plan to release his album 'Mind Of Mine' - which is due on March 25 - on the anniversary of the announcement of his departure from 1D.
He said: "I don't know, is that how it works out? It's March 25, it wasn't planned that way. It works that way. It just seems to coincide with the iTunes launch and everything. Maybe it's a sign."
The record will be available in standard and deluxe editions, as well as a deluxe exclusive version available only at Target.
All three editions are available for pre-order now.
Full tracklisting for 'Mind of Mine':
1.MiNd Of MiNdd
2.PiLlOwT4lK
3.iTs YoU
4.BeFoUr
5.sHe
6.dRuNk
7.INTERMISSION:fLoWer
8.rEaR vIeW
9.wRoNg
10.fOoL fOr YoU
11.BoRdErSz
12.tRuTh
13.lUcOzAdE
14.TiO
The deluxe edition also includes the following tracks:
15. Blue
16. Bright
17. Like I Would
18. She Don't Love Me
Music News
Mark Ronson, Kaiser Chiefs and DJ Fresh are to perform at The Big Feastival.
The music and food extravaganza, which is held on Blur bassist Alex James' Costwolds farm, will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a stellar roster of live artists performing over the weekend of August 26 to August 28.
Alex said: "Each year the festival just gets better and with 2016 marking our fifth birthday on the farm; it promises to be the best year yet. Last year's tickets sold out in record time and I predict this year to be no different so get in early!"
Other acts to grace the stages include Irish singer/songwriter Roisin Murphy, songstress Ella Henderson and Grammy Award-winner Foxes.
There is also a top secret special guest headliner, which is yet to be announced.
And while the musicians cook up a storm on stage, the event's co-host celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will be serving up some treats in the NEFF Big Kitchen, where festival-goers will be able to take part in activities and taste food from renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc and British cooks Tom Kerridge and Gizzi Erskine.
On returning to the event, Jamie said: "The Big Feastival is one of my favourite weekends of the year - no other festival combines amazing music and incredible food in such a unique way and this year's stellar line-up makes it unmissable!"
Go to www.thebigfeastival.com for more information and tickets.
Mark Ronson, Kaiser Chiefs and more to play The Big Feastival
Mark Ronson, Kaiser Chiefs and DJ Fresh are to perform at The Big Feastival.
The music and food extravaganza, which is held on Blur bassist Alex James' Costwolds farm, will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a stellar roster of live artists performing over the weekend of August 26 to August 28.
Alex said: "Each year the festival just gets better and with 2016 marking our fifth birthday on the farm; it promises to be the best year yet. Last year's tickets sold out in record time and I predict this year to be no different so get in early!"
Other acts to grace the stages include Irish singer/songwriter Roisin Murphy, songstress Ella Henderson and Grammy Award-winner Foxes.
There is also a top secret special guest headliner, which is yet to be announced.
And while the musicians cook up a storm on stage, the event's co-host celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will be serving up some treats in the NEFF Big Kitchen, where festival-goers will be able to take part in activities and taste food from renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc and British cooks Tom Kerridge and Gizzi Erskine.
On returning to the event, Jamie said: "The Big Feastival is one of my favourite weekends of the year - no other festival combines amazing music and incredible food in such a unique way and this year's stellar line-up makes it unmissable!"
Go to www.thebigfeastival.com for more information and tickets.
Music News
Cyndi Lauper is to embark on her first UK tour in five years this June in support of her new album 'Detour'.
The 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' hitmaker will head out on a short run culminating at London's Hammersmith Eventim Apollo on June 30.
The 62-year-old singer will be showcasing her 11th studio album which sees her put her signature vocal style on a dozen classic country songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s, such as 'Funnel of Love' and 'Heartaches by the Numbers'
Cyndi recorded the LP in Nashville with some of music city's top session players and it features duets with country legends like Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill
Cyndi has had an ambition to record a country LP for years and revealed her plans last year.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I don't know if you listen to country music but I want to work with Seymour Stein - he was the co-founder of Sire Records - and I've always wanted to work with him. So I figure while I've still got teeth in my mouth let me go work with him!
"I want to record all those songs I used to sing my guts out in my apartment to!"
Tickets go on sale at BookingsDirect.com for Cyndi's tour on Friday March 11.
Cyndi Lauper announces first UK tour in five years
Cyndi Lauper is to embark on her first UK tour in five years this June in support of her new album 'Detour'.
The 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' hitmaker will head out on a short run culminating at London's Hammersmith Eventim Apollo on June 30.
The 62-year-old singer will be showcasing her 11th studio album which sees her put her signature vocal style on a dozen classic country songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s, such as 'Funnel of Love' and 'Heartaches by the Numbers'
Cyndi recorded the LP in Nashville with some of music city's top session players and it features duets with country legends like Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill
Cyndi has had an ambition to record a country LP for years and revealed her plans last year.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I don't know if you listen to country music but I want to work with Seymour Stein - he was the co-founder of Sire Records - and I've always wanted to work with him. So I figure while I've still got teeth in my mouth let me go work with him!
"I want to record all those songs I used to sing my guts out in my apartment to!"
Tickets go on sale at BookingsDirect.com for Cyndi's tour on Friday March 11.