Music News
Music News
Neil Young is recording an album with Willie Nelson's sons.
The 69-year-old musician revealed he is in the middle of working on his 36th LP - following the success of 'A Letter Home' and 'Storytone' which were both released in 2014 - and is hoping to bring a new edge to his sound by working with the country star's youngest children, rocker Lukas Nelson and his brother Jacob.
He said: "I'm working on another album now that I'm going to be doing with Willie Nelson's sons."
The singer-songwriter also explained the record - which has been tentatively named 'The Monsanto Years' - will be an "upbeat review of the situation" between himself and agriculture company Monsanto, which he has publicly criticised in the past.
Most recently, the star's hatred for the firm hit the headlines when he announced he would be boycotting Starbucks coffee shops after they began working with the controversial company to try and prevent laws in Vermont which would force manufacturers and retailers to label genetically modified products.
Writing on his website, he said: "I used to line up and get my latte everyday, but yesterday was my last one. Starbucks has teamed up with Monsanto to sue Vermont, and stop accurate food labeling."
Although he plans to release the album later this year, the 'Heart of Gold' singer admitted he is unsure of what he will do next, but knows music will be involved because of his recently launched music player, Pono.
He told RollingStone.com: "I don't know much about the future.
"I want to [focus on Pono] and I want to continue playing music. Those two things should keep me pretty busy. I have some film editing and things to do on the side. I'll probably be writing some more books. I want to keep doing what I do. I'd like to continue doing it for a long time."
Neil Young recording new LP
Neil Young is recording an album with Willie Nelson's sons.
The 69-year-old musician revealed he is in the middle of working on his 36th LP - following the success of 'A Letter Home' and 'Storytone' which were both released in 2014 - and is hoping to bring a new edge to his sound by working with the country star's youngest children, rocker Lukas Nelson and his brother Jacob.
He said: "I'm working on another album now that I'm going to be doing with Willie Nelson's sons."
The singer-songwriter also explained the record - which has been tentatively named 'The Monsanto Years' - will be an "upbeat review of the situation" between himself and agriculture company Monsanto, which he has publicly criticised in the past.
Most recently, the star's hatred for the firm hit the headlines when he announced he would be boycotting Starbucks coffee shops after they began working with the controversial company to try and prevent laws in Vermont which would force manufacturers and retailers to label genetically modified products.
Writing on his website, he said: "I used to line up and get my latte everyday, but yesterday was my last one. Starbucks has teamed up with Monsanto to sue Vermont, and stop accurate food labeling."
Although he plans to release the album later this year, the 'Heart of Gold' singer admitted he is unsure of what he will do next, but knows music will be involved because of his recently launched music player, Pono.
He told RollingStone.com: "I don't know much about the future.
"I want to [focus on Pono] and I want to continue playing music. Those two things should keep me pretty busy. I have some film editing and things to do on the side. I'll probably be writing some more books. I want to keep doing what I do. I'd like to continue doing it for a long time."
Music News
Nicki Minaj has made a documentary about the "emotional rollercoaster" of making her new album.
The 'Anaconda' hitmaker released her third studio record 'The Pinkprint' last month and will give fans an insight into her personal and professional struggles while making it in a one-off programme titled 'Nicki Minaj: My Time Again'.
Confirming the news on Twitter, she wrote: "I can finally share this! Here's the trailer for my new @MTV doc #MyTimeAGAIN! (sic)."
In the teaser trailer for the show - which will premiere on MTV in the US on January 18 - the rapper hints the documentary will include a look into her personal heartbreak in 2014, having split from her boyfriend of 12 years, Safaree Samuels.
She says in the trailer: "I didn't know that this album would entail an emotional rollercoaster."
As well as suggesting she will talk her relationship, she also describes the music industry as something "no-one could prepare" her for.
She adds: "No-one could prepare for this business. Until you are in it you really can't wrap your brain around it."
The 32-year-old star released a similar documentary, 'My Time Now', in 2010, which chronicled her rise to stardom and followed her as she geared up for the release of 'Pink Friday' which spawned the singles 'Roman's Revenge', 'Fly' and 'Moment 4 Life'.
Nicki Minaj releasing documentary
Nicki Minaj has made a documentary about the "emotional rollercoaster" of making her new album.
The 'Anaconda' hitmaker released her third studio record 'The Pinkprint' last month and will give fans an insight into her personal and professional struggles while making it in a one-off programme titled 'Nicki Minaj: My Time Again'.
Confirming the news on Twitter, she wrote: "I can finally share this! Here's the trailer for my new @MTV doc #MyTimeAGAIN! (sic)."
In the teaser trailer for the show - which will premiere on MTV in the US on January 18 - the rapper hints the documentary will include a look into her personal heartbreak in 2014, having split from her boyfriend of 12 years, Safaree Samuels.
She says in the trailer: "I didn't know that this album would entail an emotional rollercoaster."
As well as suggesting she will talk her relationship, she also describes the music industry as something "no-one could prepare" her for.
She adds: "No-one could prepare for this business. Until you are in it you really can't wrap your brain around it."
The 32-year-old star released a similar documentary, 'My Time Now', in 2010, which chronicled her rise to stardom and followed her as she geared up for the release of 'Pink Friday' which spawned the singles 'Roman's Revenge', 'Fly' and 'Moment 4 Life'.
Music News
Mark Ronson's computer exploded while making 'Uptown Funk'.
The 39-year-old musician revealed he had a hectic time while making the chart-topping tune when it came to technology, but admitted the hard work was worthwhile though because it's the favourite of his songs.
He said: "I worked so hard. It had to be the first single because I'm most excited about it out of anything I've ever done.
"I was in the studio, playing the guitar. We heard this sizzling and suddenly the computer screen explodes."
Despite feeling "excited" about the single - which broke UK chart history last year when it was streamed a total of 2.34 million times during a single week - the producer confessed it was a struggle to complete the track because of the 'Locked Out of Heaven' singer's busy schedule, meaning it took half a year to finish.
He explained: "Bruno was on tour a lot, so we'd work on the track when we had one day free in LA. Or if he was in London playing Wireless we'd be in my studio. It took around six months to finish with all the to-ing and fro-ing.
"I had to chase him around to finish that song."
However, Mark - who is married to actress and singer Joséphine de La Baume - said the pair continued to work on the track with co-producer Jeff Bhasker for so long because they are always desperate for everything they do to be perfect.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he added: "I'm just a perfectionist and Bruno is probably the only person I know that is even more of a perfectionist than I am. Sitting in the studio going that extra hour, or 13 hours or whatever it takes."
Mark Ronson’s computer exploded making Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson's computer exploded while making 'Uptown Funk'.
The 39-year-old musician revealed he had a hectic time while making the chart-topping tune when it came to technology, but admitted the hard work was worthwhile though because it's the favourite of his songs.
He said: "I worked so hard. It had to be the first single because I'm most excited about it out of anything I've ever done.
"I was in the studio, playing the guitar. We heard this sizzling and suddenly the computer screen explodes."
Despite feeling "excited" about the single - which broke UK chart history last year when it was streamed a total of 2.34 million times during a single week - the producer confessed it was a struggle to complete the track because of the 'Locked Out of Heaven' singer's busy schedule, meaning it took half a year to finish.
He explained: "Bruno was on tour a lot, so we'd work on the track when we had one day free in LA. Or if he was in London playing Wireless we'd be in my studio. It took around six months to finish with all the to-ing and fro-ing.
"I had to chase him around to finish that song."
However, Mark - who is married to actress and singer Joséphine de La Baume - said the pair continued to work on the track with co-producer Jeff Bhasker for so long because they are always desperate for everything they do to be perfect.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he added: "I'm just a perfectionist and Bruno is probably the only person I know that is even more of a perfectionist than I am. Sitting in the studio going that extra hour, or 13 hours or whatever it takes."
Music News
Years & Years have topped the BBC Sound of 2015 poll.
The east London pop trio beat off competition from singer-songwriter Rae Morris and grunge pop band Wolf Alice to top the list - which aims to highlight the year's rising musical stars - with the group's frontman Olly Alexander admitting he "nearly passed out" when they discovered they had won.
Speaking on BBC Radio One, he said: "I nearly passed out when I found out. I got quite emotional; there were tears, so many feelings, so many."
The list was voted on by 139 UK-based musical tastemakers who tipped the acts they believed would gain prominence in the following 12 months, with James Bay, Stormzy, Raury and George the Poet completing the top five.
Following their win, the 'Desire' hitmakers say they are planning on releasing their debut album in 2015 to live up to expectations.
Speaking about the LP, bassist Mikey Goldsworth revealed: "It's almost finished."
However, the group's keyboard player Emre Turkmen acknowledged their reluctance to stop writing new songs has delayed the release of the anticipated record.
He added: "We just keep writing new stuff. You could go on forever, really. We're going to stop soon."
Now that they have been tipped for success, the 'Take Shelter' singers joked they won't become "boring" like the poll's 2014 winner, Sam Smith.
The 24-year-old vocalist told music website Popjustice: "We're going to try really hard not to be boring. 'Not boring' - we're going to get it tattooed on ourselves. It will be the word boring with a line through it."
Years and Years top BBC Sound of 2015 poll
Years & Years have topped the BBC Sound of 2015 poll.
The east London pop trio beat off competition from singer-songwriter Rae Morris and grunge pop band Wolf Alice to top the list - which aims to highlight the year's rising musical stars - with the group's frontman Olly Alexander admitting he "nearly passed out" when they discovered they had won.
Speaking on BBC Radio One, he said: "I nearly passed out when I found out. I got quite emotional; there were tears, so many feelings, so many."
The list was voted on by 139 UK-based musical tastemakers who tipped the acts they believed would gain prominence in the following 12 months, with James Bay, Stormzy, Raury and George the Poet completing the top five.
Following their win, the 'Desire' hitmakers say they are planning on releasing their debut album in 2015 to live up to expectations.
Speaking about the LP, bassist Mikey Goldsworth revealed: "It's almost finished."
However, the group's keyboard player Emre Turkmen acknowledged their reluctance to stop writing new songs has delayed the release of the anticipated record.
He added: "We just keep writing new stuff. You could go on forever, really. We're going to stop soon."
Now that they have been tipped for success, the 'Take Shelter' singers joked they won't become "boring" like the poll's 2014 winner, Sam Smith.
The 24-year-old vocalist told music website Popjustice: "We're going to try really hard not to be boring. 'Not boring' - we're going to get it tattooed on ourselves. It will be the word boring with a line through it."
Music News
Kendrick Lamar believes Iggy Azalea should be allowed to do "her thing".
The 27-year-old rapper has voiced his support for the 'Fancy' hitmaker, who has become a target of criticism for a number of people in the music industry, including Azealia Banks and J. Cole.
However, the Compton-born MC thinks Iggy, 24, ought to be left alone, telling Billboard magazine: "She's doing her thing. Let her. People have to go through trials and tribulations to get where they at. Do your thing, continue to rock it, because obviously God wants you here."
Earlier this week, Iggy said sexism is to blame for much of the criticism she receives.
She claimed it's especially difficult for her to succeed in the rap industry because she's white and female.
Asked if being a woman is linked to the criticism she gets, Iggy replied: "Well, they don't say that stuff about Macklemore. So, yes, I think it has 100,000 percent to do with the fact that I have a vagina."
Iggy also said it's tough being white in the hip-hop industry, but she can't understand the problem.
Iggy reflected: "I never thought it was strange. If you go back to the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley and Eminem - they've all basically done black music.
"I felt this wasn't that far from what we've seen in music history over and over again."
Kendrick Lamar voices his support for Iggy Azalea
Kendrick Lamar believes Iggy Azalea should be allowed to do "her thing".
The 27-year-old rapper has voiced his support for the 'Fancy' hitmaker, who has become a target of criticism for a number of people in the music industry, including Azealia Banks and J. Cole.
However, the Compton-born MC thinks Iggy, 24, ought to be left alone, telling Billboard magazine: "She's doing her thing. Let her. People have to go through trials and tribulations to get where they at. Do your thing, continue to rock it, because obviously God wants you here."
Earlier this week, Iggy said sexism is to blame for much of the criticism she receives.
She claimed it's especially difficult for her to succeed in the rap industry because she's white and female.
Asked if being a woman is linked to the criticism she gets, Iggy replied: "Well, they don't say that stuff about Macklemore. So, yes, I think it has 100,000 percent to do with the fact that I have a vagina."
Iggy also said it's tough being white in the hip-hop industry, but she can't understand the problem.
Iggy reflected: "I never thought it was strange. If you go back to the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley and Eminem - they've all basically done black music.
"I felt this wasn't that far from what we've seen in music history over and over again."
Music News
Snoop Dogg's next album will be called 'Bush'.
The 43-year-old rapper confirmed the title of his upcoming 13th solo album while at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday (07.01.15), also revealing fans can expect the LP to be released in mid-March.
The 'Drop It like It's Hot' hitmaker previously revealed Pharrell Williams is producing the entire album - which is being released on his i am OTHER label and Columbia Records - with the N.E.R.D. member praising the album by saying it is better than his own 2014 record, 'Girl'.
Speaking last year, the 'Happy' singer said: "Snoop's album is better than mine. You're gonna bug out from the approach and what we did."
The star's most recent release was 2013's '7 Days of Funk' which was created while he was using the alias Snoopzilla, in collaboration with Dam-Funk.
Snoop also hinted the material - which is believed to include contributions from Stevie Wonder and Charlie Wilson - won't sound like anything he has done previously.
He explained: "It's a great record me and Pharrell did from top to bottom. It feels good and I'm happy to be back in the studio working with one of my favourite producers and homeboys.
"It's different - it's completely different than anything we've ever done. It feels good, sounds good, looks good."
Snoop Dogg titles new album Bush
Snoop Dogg's next album will be called 'Bush'.
The 43-year-old rapper confirmed the title of his upcoming 13th solo album while at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday (07.01.15), also revealing fans can expect the LP to be released in mid-March.
The 'Drop It like It's Hot' hitmaker previously revealed Pharrell Williams is producing the entire album - which is being released on his i am OTHER label and Columbia Records - with the N.E.R.D. member praising the album by saying it is better than his own 2014 record, 'Girl'.
Speaking last year, the 'Happy' singer said: "Snoop's album is better than mine. You're gonna bug out from the approach and what we did."
The star's most recent release was 2013's '7 Days of Funk' which was created while he was using the alias Snoopzilla, in collaboration with Dam-Funk.
Snoop also hinted the material - which is believed to include contributions from Stevie Wonder and Charlie Wilson - won't sound like anything he has done previously.
He explained: "It's a great record me and Pharrell did from top to bottom. It feels good and I'm happy to be back in the studio working with one of my favourite producers and homeboys.
"It's different - it's completely different than anything we've ever done. It feels good, sounds good, looks good."
Music News
Gregory Porter has collaborated with Laura Mvula.
The jazz singer has recorded a duet with the 'Green Garden' hitmaker on a revamped version of his track 'Water Under Bridges', which will feature on the expanded deluxe edition of his critically acclaimed album 'Liquid Spirit'.
Speaking about the 43-year-old musician, Laura said: "It's like the stars align when he does his thing."
The duet was originally performed last year when the 28-year-old joined Gregory on stage for his iTunes Festival performance at Camden's Roundhouse in London, with the crowd's reaction inspiring them to re-record the track together to be released as a single.
Written by the 'Be Good (Lion's Song)' singer - who won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album last year - the track laments his struggles to get over broken relationships, and appears on the repackaged album alongside a collaboration with Jamie Cullum on the track 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood'.
Elsewhere on the record, additional content comes from Ben L'Oncle Soul and a remix from 20Syl, with a bonus DVD featuring footage from Gregory's performance with the Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckley.
The tracklist for the expanded deluxe edition of 'Liquid Spirit' - which will be released on January 12 - is as follows:
1. 'No Love Dying'
2. 'Liquid Spirit'
3. 'Lonesome Lover'
4. 'Water Under Bridges'
5. 'Hey Laura'
6. 'Musical Genocide'
7. 'Wolfcry'
8. 'Free'
9. 'Brown Grass'
10. 'Wind Song'
11. 'The In Crowd'
12. 'Movin''
13. 'When Love Was King'
14. 'I Fall In Love Too Easily'
BONUS TRACKS
15. 'Water Under Bridges' ft. Laura Mvula
16. 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' ft. Jamie Cullum
17. 'Grandma's Hands' ft. Ben L'Oncle Soul
18. 'Liquid Spirit (20Syl remix)'
DVD
'Gregory Porter Meets Metropole Orkest'
1. 'Grandma's Hands'
2. 'Hoochie Coochie Man'
3. 'She Was Too Good To Me'
4. 'Someday We'll All Be Free'
5. 'Work Song'
Gregory Porter collaborates with Laura Mvula
Gregory Porter has collaborated with Laura Mvula.
The jazz singer has recorded a duet with the 'Green Garden' hitmaker on a revamped version of his track 'Water Under Bridges', which will feature on the expanded deluxe edition of his critically acclaimed album 'Liquid Spirit'.
Speaking about the 43-year-old musician, Laura said: "It's like the stars align when he does his thing."
The duet was originally performed last year when the 28-year-old joined Gregory on stage for his iTunes Festival performance at Camden's Roundhouse in London, with the crowd's reaction inspiring them to re-record the track together to be released as a single.
Written by the 'Be Good (Lion's Song)' singer - who won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album last year - the track laments his struggles to get over broken relationships, and appears on the repackaged album alongside a collaboration with Jamie Cullum on the track 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood'.
Elsewhere on the record, additional content comes from Ben L'Oncle Soul and a remix from 20Syl, with a bonus DVD featuring footage from Gregory's performance with the Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckley.
The tracklist for the expanded deluxe edition of 'Liquid Spirit' - which will be released on January 12 - is as follows:
1. 'No Love Dying'
2. 'Liquid Spirit'
3. 'Lonesome Lover'
4. 'Water Under Bridges'
5. 'Hey Laura'
6. 'Musical Genocide'
7. 'Wolfcry'
8. 'Free'
9. 'Brown Grass'
10. 'Wind Song'
11. 'The In Crowd'
12. 'Movin''
13. 'When Love Was King'
14. 'I Fall In Love Too Easily'
BONUS TRACKS
15. 'Water Under Bridges' ft. Laura Mvula
16. 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' ft. Jamie Cullum
17. 'Grandma's Hands' ft. Ben L'Oncle Soul
18. 'Liquid Spirit (20Syl remix)'
DVD
'Gregory Porter Meets Metropole Orkest'
1. 'Grandma's Hands'
2. 'Hoochie Coochie Man'
3. 'She Was Too Good To Me'
4. 'Someday We'll All Be Free'
5. 'Work Song'
Music News
Sia has apologised to those offended by her video for 'Elastic Heart'.
The clip which features 28-year-old actor Shia LaBeouf and 12-year-old Maddie Ziegler has been criticised for being potentially perverse - as it shows the pair performing an interpretive dance in a cage, while dressed in skin-coloured leotards - prompting the singer to clarify the meaning behind the video which she says depicts "warring" parts of her personality.
Taking to her official Twitter account, she wrote: "I anticipated some 'pedophelia!!!' Cries for this video. All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play
"These two warring 'sia' self states. (sic)"
The video - which has racked up over three million views in less than 24 hours - caused some social media users to slam the 39-year-old musician for creating the "disgusting" piece, with one user saying it "Smacks of child molestation #pervert #unacceptable #childabuse...Explain please!" while another fan simple wrote, "Sia's 'Elastic Heart' video is disgusting."
However, as well as explaining what she hoped viewers would see when watching the video, the singer - who released her sixth studio album '1000 Forms of Fear' last year - apologised to those who found it disturbing.
She added: "I apologize to those who feel triggered by #ElasticHeart My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody."
Sia apologises for Elastic Heart video
Sia has apologised to those offended by her video for 'Elastic Heart'.
The clip which features 28-year-old actor Shia LaBeouf and 12-year-old Maddie Ziegler has been criticised for being potentially perverse - as it shows the pair performing an interpretive dance in a cage, while dressed in skin-coloured leotards - prompting the singer to clarify the meaning behind the video which she says depicts "warring" parts of her personality.
Taking to her official Twitter account, she wrote: "I anticipated some 'pedophelia!!!' Cries for this video. All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play
"These two warring 'sia' self states. (sic)"
The video - which has racked up over three million views in less than 24 hours - caused some social media users to slam the 39-year-old musician for creating the "disgusting" piece, with one user saying it "Smacks of child molestation #pervert #unacceptable #childabuse...Explain please!" while another fan simple wrote, "Sia's 'Elastic Heart' video is disgusting."
However, as well as explaining what she hoped viewers would see when watching the video, the singer - who released her sixth studio album '1000 Forms of Fear' last year - apologised to those who found it disturbing.
She added: "I apologize to those who feel triggered by #ElasticHeart My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody."
Music News
Noel Gallagher has slammed chart music.
The former Oasis rocker has criticised the state of the music industry and claims artists at the top of the current chart are "s**t" and "all the f**king same".
He said: "Bands now go cap-in-hand to the industry and the industry has already decided what it wants for the f**king chart stars.
"But the charts are all the f**king same. Every single song in the Top 10 is the same s**t with a different voice."
The 47-year-old musician is positive Oasis - who won fifteen NME Awards, nine Q Awards, four MTV European Music Awards and six Brit Awards - wouldn't have been as successful if they were starting out their career today as he doesn't think artists are given enough control.
He also alleged that national radio station BBC Radio 1 judges an artist by their following on social media.
He told NME magazine: "If Oasis were starting tomorrow we would have nowhere near the impact, because you're judged instantly on your first gig, and then Radio 1 will judge you on how many f**king followers you've got on Facebook.
"Oasis never had an A&R at Creation - we were given the f**king keys to the kingdom and they went, 'Off you go, see you in a bit'.
"Now, the manager is accountable to the A&R guy, who's accountable to the guy above him, who's gonna lose his f**king job."
Noel Gallagher slams chart music
Noel Gallagher has slammed chart music.
The former Oasis rocker has criticised the state of the music industry and claims artists at the top of the current chart are "s**t" and "all the f**king same".
He said: "Bands now go cap-in-hand to the industry and the industry has already decided what it wants for the f**king chart stars.
"But the charts are all the f**king same. Every single song in the Top 10 is the same s**t with a different voice."
The 47-year-old musician is positive Oasis - who won fifteen NME Awards, nine Q Awards, four MTV European Music Awards and six Brit Awards - wouldn't have been as successful if they were starting out their career today as he doesn't think artists are given enough control.
He also alleged that national radio station BBC Radio 1 judges an artist by their following on social media.
He told NME magazine: "If Oasis were starting tomorrow we would have nowhere near the impact, because you're judged instantly on your first gig, and then Radio 1 will judge you on how many f**king followers you've got on Facebook.
"Oasis never had an A&R at Creation - we were given the f**king keys to the kingdom and they went, 'Off you go, see you in a bit'.
"Now, the manager is accountable to the A&R guy, who's accountable to the guy above him, who's gonna lose his f**king job."