Music News
Music News
Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij has quit the band.
The musician has decided to leave the group he co-founded in 2006 to launch a solo career.
Although he has walked away from his bandmates Ezra Koenig,
Chris Tomson and Chris Baio Rostam insists he is still friends with them all.
In a post on his Twitter account, he wrote: "Hi - I wanted to let ppl k now i'm no longer a member of VW but that Ezra and I will continue to collaborate on future projects + future VW songs. my identity as a songwriter + producer, I realized, needs to stand on its own, still connected to the ppl I work with, but through the songs we make together (sic)"
The 'Oxford Comma' hitmaker has promised he has got lots of new music on the way and is sure he's about to begin "an exciting time" in his career.
He continued: "I can't even begin to express the joy I get from writing songs, both on my own + with others, I hold it all sacred. there is so much amazing music - all of it dear to me - on its way to you. It's an exciting time. and I feel lucky to share it with you - Rostam (sic)"
Despite Rostam's departure, the remaining Vampire Weekend members are still focused on recording their fourth studio LP.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account, frontman Ezra said: "A couple years ago, Rostam and I sat down at his house & talked abt whether our collaboration was dependent on being members of the same band. We both firmly agreed that nope, it was not. In fact, we agreed that our collaboration was more important. I'm psyched about the work we've already begun for LP4 and I'm psyched to hear anything else Rostam is a part of. "Also very excited to continue playing music with CT and Baio but there will be plenty of time to talk about that later in the year. For now in the Vampire Weekend universe, it's all about recording the next album. There will be a lot of familiar faces in the studio but also some fresh, new ones. Working title is 'Mitsubishi Macchiato' ... for obvious reasons. Shout-out to the fans who have been waiting for new music - it's coming. Also tomorrow, we gotta talk abt Iowa. (sic)"
Rostam Batmanglij quits Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij has quit the band.
The musician has decided to leave the group he co-founded in 2006 to launch a solo career.
Although he has walked away from his bandmates Ezra Koenig,
Chris Tomson and Chris Baio Rostam insists he is still friends with them all.
In a post on his Twitter account, he wrote: "Hi - I wanted to let ppl k now i'm no longer a member of VW but that Ezra and I will continue to collaborate on future projects + future VW songs. my identity as a songwriter + producer, I realized, needs to stand on its own, still connected to the ppl I work with, but through the songs we make together (sic)"
The 'Oxford Comma' hitmaker has promised he has got lots of new music on the way and is sure he's about to begin "an exciting time" in his career.
He continued: "I can't even begin to express the joy I get from writing songs, both on my own + with others, I hold it all sacred. there is so much amazing music - all of it dear to me - on its way to you. It's an exciting time. and I feel lucky to share it with you - Rostam (sic)"
Despite Rostam's departure, the remaining Vampire Weekend members are still focused on recording their fourth studio LP.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account, frontman Ezra said: "A couple years ago, Rostam and I sat down at his house & talked abt whether our collaboration was dependent on being members of the same band. We both firmly agreed that nope, it was not. In fact, we agreed that our collaboration was more important. I'm psyched about the work we've already begun for LP4 and I'm psyched to hear anything else Rostam is a part of. "Also very excited to continue playing music with CT and Baio but there will be plenty of time to talk about that later in the year. For now in the Vampire Weekend universe, it's all about recording the next album. There will be a lot of familiar faces in the studio but also some fresh, new ones. Working title is 'Mitsubishi Macchiato' ... for obvious reasons. Shout-out to the fans who have been waiting for new music - it's coming. Also tomorrow, we gotta talk abt Iowa. (sic)"
Music News
Stooshe are in talks to support a "major" male artist who they are not allowed to name.
The girl group - consisting of Karis Anderson, Alexandra Buggs and Courtney Rumbold - are set to return with their second album this year and are already planning on touring with a mystery "massive" artist.
Karis exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "There is a massive name that we can't name. Fingers crossed it happens. If it does it will be major like, major. A certain male."
Meanwhile, the girls have been to songwriting camp getting songs together for their forthcoming record.
The 'Lock Down' trio have been out of the spotlight since 2012, but have been busy behind the scenes writing and managing their own career since splitting from their label in 2013 and are currently putting the finishing touches to the record
Asked if the album is finished, Karis said: "Nearly. It was half way finished and we've just had a writing camp and got a whole influx of new songs that we've written. So now we are like we need to do more recording and get it all done. We are going to have a lot of choices to choose from, which with our last album we didn't have."
The follow-up to their debut 'London with the Lights On' is expected to drop this summer.
Stooshe to support mystery megastar
Stooshe are in talks to support a "major" male artist who they are not allowed to name.
The girl group - consisting of Karis Anderson, Alexandra Buggs and Courtney Rumbold - are set to return with their second album this year and are already planning on touring with a mystery "massive" artist.
Karis exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "There is a massive name that we can't name. Fingers crossed it happens. If it does it will be major like, major. A certain male."
Meanwhile, the girls have been to songwriting camp getting songs together for their forthcoming record.
The 'Lock Down' trio have been out of the spotlight since 2012, but have been busy behind the scenes writing and managing their own career since splitting from their label in 2013 and are currently putting the finishing touches to the record
Asked if the album is finished, Karis said: "Nearly. It was half way finished and we've just had a writing camp and got a whole influx of new songs that we've written. So now we are like we need to do more recording and get it all done. We are going to have a lot of choices to choose from, which with our last album we didn't have."
The follow-up to their debut 'London with the Lights On' is expected to drop this summer.
Music News
Colin Vearncombe has died.
The 'Wonderful Life' hitmaker - who performed under the alias Black - passed away in hospital at the age of 53 yesterday (26.01.16), two weeks after he was involved in a car accident.
The Liverpudlian singer had suffered head injuries in the crash in Ireland on January 10 and was placed in an induced coma in the intensive care unit of Cork University Hospital, but never regained consciousness.
He died peacefully surrounded by his family - wife Camilla and their three sons - who were "singing him on his way".
The family has paid tribute to the care Colin received.
They said in a statement: "Colin received the best possible care from the expert and highly professional staff there and we are deeply grateful for everything they did".
Pete Wylie of The Mighty Wah! has paid tribute to his friend and fellow singer on Twitter.
He tweeted: "Such terribly terribly sad news about Colin Vearncombe RIP.
"I want to send all the love I can muster to Colin's parents, brother & partner + to all who loved him, and who he loved too.
"I could still sing the very first song Colin recorded with me in the WAH! studio. I remember it that clearly. And that voice!"
The family will hold a private funeral service, but a public memorial will also take place in Liverpool in the coming weeks.
Further details, including a charity in which donations can be made in memory of the singer, will be released in due course.
Wonderful Life singer Colin Vearncombe dies
Colin Vearncombe has died.
The 'Wonderful Life' hitmaker - who performed under the alias Black - passed away in hospital at the age of 53 yesterday (26.01.16), two weeks after he was involved in a car accident.
The Liverpudlian singer had suffered head injuries in the crash in Ireland on January 10 and was placed in an induced coma in the intensive care unit of Cork University Hospital, but never regained consciousness.
He died peacefully surrounded by his family - wife Camilla and their three sons - who were "singing him on his way".
The family has paid tribute to the care Colin received.
They said in a statement: "Colin received the best possible care from the expert and highly professional staff there and we are deeply grateful for everything they did".
Pete Wylie of The Mighty Wah! has paid tribute to his friend and fellow singer on Twitter.
He tweeted: "Such terribly terribly sad news about Colin Vearncombe RIP.
"I want to send all the love I can muster to Colin's parents, brother & partner + to all who loved him, and who he loved too.
"I could still sing the very first song Colin recorded with me in the WAH! studio. I remember it that clearly. And that voice!"
The family will hold a private funeral service, but a public memorial will also take place in Liverpool in the coming weeks.
Further details, including a charity in which donations can be made in memory of the singer, will be released in due course.
Music News
Olly Murs, Ella Eyre, Jamie Lawson and Nathan Sykes join Take That at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time in Hyde Park on July 9.
'X Factor' co-host Olly previously revealed he would be joining the 'Back For Good' hitmakers as their fourth member to perform some songs and now he will hit the Great Oak Stage for his own set.
The 'Troublemaker' singer is thrilled to be playing the London landmark as he's never played there before.
In a statement, he said: "Hyde Park is an amazing place for a gig, and I've actually never played there so this is going to be up there with the biggest shows I've done. I love the Take That guys and it'll be great to see them there. Everyone who comes to my gigs knows I like enjoying myself and having loads of fun with the crowd ... I'm looking forward to a great night!"
And that's not all, Ella, rising talent Jamie and former The Wanted star Nathan will also take the stage on the day.
Ella is busy putting the finishing touches to her second LP and announced she would not be playing live until summer so she's likely to have some new music to share at the festival.
Nathan is enjoying success as a solo artist and recently re-released his single 'Over And Over Again' featuring former beau Ariana Grande, which could potentially see him bring the brunette beauty on stage as a special guest.
Completing the line-up for Saturday is 'Wasn't Expecting That' hitmaker Jamie, who was the first artist to sign to Ed Sheeran's own label Gingerbread Man Records and has already enjoyed global success with his number one self-titled debut LP.
The other headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park 2016 are Florence and the Machine on July 2 and Mumford & Sons and on July 8.
Go to www.bst-hydepark.com for tickets and information.
Olly Murs, Ella Eyre, Nathan Sykes join Take That at BST
Olly Murs, Ella Eyre, Jamie Lawson and Nathan Sykes join Take That at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time in Hyde Park on July 9.
'X Factor' co-host Olly previously revealed he would be joining the 'Back For Good' hitmakers as their fourth member to perform some songs and now he will hit the Great Oak Stage for his own set.
The 'Troublemaker' singer is thrilled to be playing the London landmark as he's never played there before.
In a statement, he said: "Hyde Park is an amazing place for a gig, and I've actually never played there so this is going to be up there with the biggest shows I've done. I love the Take That guys and it'll be great to see them there. Everyone who comes to my gigs knows I like enjoying myself and having loads of fun with the crowd ... I'm looking forward to a great night!"
And that's not all, Ella, rising talent Jamie and former The Wanted star Nathan will also take the stage on the day.
Ella is busy putting the finishing touches to her second LP and announced she would not be playing live until summer so she's likely to have some new music to share at the festival.
Nathan is enjoying success as a solo artist and recently re-released his single 'Over And Over Again' featuring former beau Ariana Grande, which could potentially see him bring the brunette beauty on stage as a special guest.
Completing the line-up for Saturday is 'Wasn't Expecting That' hitmaker Jamie, who was the first artist to sign to Ed Sheeran's own label Gingerbread Man Records and has already enjoyed global success with his number one self-titled debut LP.
The other headliners already announced for Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park 2016 are Florence and the Machine on July 2 and Mumford & Sons and on July 8.
Go to www.bst-hydepark.com for tickets and information.
Music News
David Bowie's final music video for 'Lazarus' contains hidden references about his Kabbalah beliefs.
The 'Space Oddity' singer - who died on January 10 after losing his battle with terminal liver cancer - released the video before his death and according to a source the clip had a hidden message about the religion which is a branch of Judaism.
In the video, Bowie wears a striped top that resembles the one he wore on the album cover for his 1976 LP 'Station To Station'.
The image was taken by photographer Steve Schapiro, who did a photo shoot with Bowie in the outfit using chalk to do an outline of the kabbalistic tree of life, which is a classic descriptive term for the central mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism.
And as he wears what looks like a replica in 'Lazarus' it might mean the legendary musician could have been "exploring" his past beliefs in the lead up to his death.
A source said: "There is absolutely no doubt this is a reference to that particular time in his life. David may have been looking into and exploring certain aspects of Kabbalah towards the end.
"The fact this is the last image of him on video - and this is the outfit he was wearing - is surely significant."
However, biographer Paul Trynka thinks his message about Kabbalah was "intended" but is not the whole message.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Right around the time of 'Station to Station', David started wearing a crucifix, naming it as a treasured possession.
"David often mentioned spiritual leanings, both Christian and Buddhist, but my take is he didn't endorse one particular religion exclusively.
"My guess is he was exploring the concept of death, the end of existence, rather than looking for a last-minute salvation."
David Bowie’s final video Lazarus contains Kabbalah message
David Bowie's final music video for 'Lazarus' contains hidden references about his Kabbalah beliefs.
The 'Space Oddity' singer - who died on January 10 after losing his battle with terminal liver cancer - released the video before his death and according to a source the clip had a hidden message about the religion which is a branch of Judaism.
In the video, Bowie wears a striped top that resembles the one he wore on the album cover for his 1976 LP 'Station To Station'.
The image was taken by photographer Steve Schapiro, who did a photo shoot with Bowie in the outfit using chalk to do an outline of the kabbalistic tree of life, which is a classic descriptive term for the central mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism.
And as he wears what looks like a replica in 'Lazarus' it might mean the legendary musician could have been "exploring" his past beliefs in the lead up to his death.
A source said: "There is absolutely no doubt this is a reference to that particular time in his life. David may have been looking into and exploring certain aspects of Kabbalah towards the end.
"The fact this is the last image of him on video - and this is the outfit he was wearing - is surely significant."
However, biographer Paul Trynka thinks his message about Kabbalah was "intended" but is not the whole message.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Right around the time of 'Station to Station', David started wearing a crucifix, naming it as a treasured possession.
"David often mentioned spiritual leanings, both Christian and Buddhist, but my take is he didn't endorse one particular religion exclusively.
"My guess is he was exploring the concept of death, the end of existence, rather than looking for a last-minute salvation."
Music News
Sir Elton John has chosen Foy Vance to support him on his 'Wonderful Crazy Tour' this summer.
The music legend is hitting the road in June in support of his new album 'Wonderful Crazy Night' - which is released on February 5 - and the Northern Irish singer/songwriter will provide support and he can't wait to perform on the same bill as Elton.
Vance said: "I'm embarrassed to admit it but the first time I heard Elton play live was when I toured with him in Australia at the end of last year. To cut a long story short, I'm looking forward to getting out on tour with him again this summer, not just for the honor of supporting a living legend but to experience his performances night after night."
Vance will open for Elton on several of shows in Lincoln, Leicester, Longleat, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh.
The 'Close Hand, Full of Friends' singer achieved his big breakthrough in 2013 with the release of his album 'Joy Of Nothing', which features vocals from Ed Sheeran on the closing track 'Guiding Light'.
Vance and Sheeran have remained close and he co-wrote 'Tenerife Sea' and 'Afire Love' on the flame-haired musician's 2014 multi-platinum album 'X' and also wrote 'Make It Rain', the closing song of FX's hit drama 'Sons of Anarchy' which was performed by Sheeran.
Last November, Sheeran signed Vance to his label Gingerbread Man Records.
As well as working with Sheeran, Vance - who was born in Bangor County Down and developed his music by travelling around America in his youth - has also collaborated with Rudimental on their hit single 'Never Let You Go'.
Elton John's tour dates with Foy Vance:
10th June 2016 - Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
11th June 2016 - Grace Road, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester
12th June 2016 - Longleat, Near Warminster, Wiltshire
14th June 2016 -Echo Arena, Liverpool
19th June 2016 - Exeter Westpoint
25th June 2016 -Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh
Foy Vance to support Elton John on Wonderful Crazy Tour
Sir Elton John has chosen Foy Vance to support him on his 'Wonderful Crazy Tour' this summer.
The music legend is hitting the road in June in support of his new album 'Wonderful Crazy Night' - which is released on February 5 - and the Northern Irish singer/songwriter will provide support and he can't wait to perform on the same bill as Elton.
Vance said: "I'm embarrassed to admit it but the first time I heard Elton play live was when I toured with him in Australia at the end of last year. To cut a long story short, I'm looking forward to getting out on tour with him again this summer, not just for the honor of supporting a living legend but to experience his performances night after night."
Vance will open for Elton on several of shows in Lincoln, Leicester, Longleat, Liverpool, Exeter and Edinburgh.
The 'Close Hand, Full of Friends' singer achieved his big breakthrough in 2013 with the release of his album 'Joy Of Nothing', which features vocals from Ed Sheeran on the closing track 'Guiding Light'.
Vance and Sheeran have remained close and he co-wrote 'Tenerife Sea' and 'Afire Love' on the flame-haired musician's 2014 multi-platinum album 'X' and also wrote 'Make It Rain', the closing song of FX's hit drama 'Sons of Anarchy' which was performed by Sheeran.
Last November, Sheeran signed Vance to his label Gingerbread Man Records.
As well as working with Sheeran, Vance - who was born in Bangor County Down and developed his music by travelling around America in his youth - has also collaborated with Rudimental on their hit single 'Never Let You Go'.
Elton John's tour dates with Foy Vance:
10th June 2016 - Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
11th June 2016 - Grace Road, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester
12th June 2016 - Longleat, Near Warminster, Wiltshire
14th June 2016 -Echo Arena, Liverpool
19th June 2016 - Exeter Westpoint
25th June 2016 -Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh
Music News
Kanye West has changed the name of his album.
The 'Only One' hitmaker is set to release his hotly-anticipated LP but has decided to ditch the original title 'Swish' in favour of 'Waves'.
Sharing the news with his 17.6 million followers in a series of tweets, he wrote: "New album title, WAVES ... #Waves the album formally known as Swish ... I got this record n*****s can't even play before 2 am. (sic)"
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old rapper has offered his thoughts on his own album, insisting it is "the best album of all time".
Taking to the micro blogging site, he wrote: "This is not album of the year. This is album of the life ...
"So happy to be finished with the best album of all time (sic)"
Meanwhile, work has only just finished on the album as his sister-in-law Khloe Kardashian previously revealed he was finding it difficult to narrow down the track list as there were so many "genuinely terrific songs".
She said: "He has so many songs that we - I act like I'm recording them - that he can't figure out what he wants to put on his album. And they're all genuinely terrific songs."
"He is so passionate. He's like, every bit the meaning of an artist."
'Waves' - formerly known as 'Swish' - is expected to be released on February 11.
Kanye West changes album name
Kanye West has changed the name of his album.
The 'Only One' hitmaker is set to release his hotly-anticipated LP but has decided to ditch the original title 'Swish' in favour of 'Waves'.
Sharing the news with his 17.6 million followers in a series of tweets, he wrote: "New album title, WAVES ... #Waves the album formally known as Swish ... I got this record n*****s can't even play before 2 am. (sic)"
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old rapper has offered his thoughts on his own album, insisting it is "the best album of all time".
Taking to the micro blogging site, he wrote: "This is not album of the year. This is album of the life ...
"So happy to be finished with the best album of all time (sic)"
Meanwhile, work has only just finished on the album as his sister-in-law Khloe Kardashian previously revealed he was finding it difficult to narrow down the track list as there were so many "genuinely terrific songs".
She said: "He has so many songs that we - I act like I'm recording them - that he can't figure out what he wants to put on his album. And they're all genuinely terrific songs."
"He is so passionate. He's like, every bit the meaning of an artist."
'Waves' - formerly known as 'Swish' - is expected to be released on February 11.
Music News
Sigma and The Wombats will headline Liverpool International Music Festival in July.
The dance duo - who are responsible for hits such as 'Nobody To Love' and 'Changing' - are confirmed to headline the LIMF Summer Jam 2016 bill on the Saturday evening and the 'Lets Dance to Joy Division' hitmakers will top Sunday's line-up at Europe's biggest free music festival, which is spread over three days - from July 21 to 24 in the city's Sefton Park.
London-born songstress Lianne La Havas, Kwabs, Netsky, Ms Dynamite, Maverick Sabre and Liverpool's Philharmonic Orchestra will also whet the appetite of music lovers at the festival's fourth outing.
As well as the Summer Jam bill, organisers have commissioned five off-shoot ticketed events which will celebrate music that has "redefined" popular culture and which will be held at different venues around the city.
They include a curated live show by BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson called 'From The Soul'; a celebration of Liverpool's counter-culture over the last 40 years with '76-16: From Eric's To Evol'; and 'House Nation' where renowned Liverpool-based DJ and Producer Yousef will explore what defines house music in four international cities.
Tickets for these cost from £10 for early-bird purchase and are available online at LIMF.
LIMF Curator, Yaw Owusu commented: "Year four is all about us shining a light on re-defining musical moments and movements... I hope that music lovers from anywhere and everywhere, of all ages and backgrounds, revel in a number of special experiences at LIMF 2016."
For more details go to www.limfestival.com
Sigma to headline LIMF in July
Sigma and The Wombats will headline Liverpool International Music Festival in July.
The dance duo - who are responsible for hits such as 'Nobody To Love' and 'Changing' - are confirmed to headline the LIMF Summer Jam 2016 bill on the Saturday evening and the 'Lets Dance to Joy Division' hitmakers will top Sunday's line-up at Europe's biggest free music festival, which is spread over three days - from July 21 to 24 in the city's Sefton Park.
London-born songstress Lianne La Havas, Kwabs, Netsky, Ms Dynamite, Maverick Sabre and Liverpool's Philharmonic Orchestra will also whet the appetite of music lovers at the festival's fourth outing.
As well as the Summer Jam bill, organisers have commissioned five off-shoot ticketed events which will celebrate music that has "redefined" popular culture and which will be held at different venues around the city.
They include a curated live show by BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson called 'From The Soul'; a celebration of Liverpool's counter-culture over the last 40 years with '76-16: From Eric's To Evol'; and 'House Nation' where renowned Liverpool-based DJ and Producer Yousef will explore what defines house music in four international cities.
Tickets for these cost from £10 for early-bird purchase and are available online at LIMF.
LIMF Curator, Yaw Owusu commented: "Year four is all about us shining a light on re-defining musical moments and movements... I hope that music lovers from anywhere and everywhere, of all ages and backgrounds, revel in a number of special experiences at LIMF 2016."
For more details go to www.limfestival.com