Music News
Music News
Damon Albarn has been given the title of "local king' in Mali.
The Blur frontman defied terrorism threats by performing at the West African city's musical festival Festival Acoustik Bamako earlier this month, despite the fact the country was in a state of emergency, and now he has been given the name by locals as well as having a school room named after him.
Of his new honour, he said: "I'm not used to this sort of thing, but it's fantastic to see this classroom. And it's a school dedicated to music and dance. That's where my heart is, so my heart is here."
A local man explained why British pop star Damon was handed the name and said he came to show the people not to let the violence and tragic events get in the way of their culture.
According to NME, he said: "Damon is not from Africa, but he is here today to be a king of these real people."
The 47-year-old singer has a long history with Mali after he released his album 'Mali Music' in 2002, as well as performing with several artists from the area including his most recent collaboration with In C Mali in 2013 and 2015.
Talking about his trip to the festival earlier this month, he said: "I was invited on this occasion, so that's even more special, really, to sort of be invited back."I'm fascinated by it. It's very tangible to me because of the music and the value of the music."
Damon Albarn given local king title in Mali
Damon Albarn has been given the title of "local king' in Mali.
The Blur frontman defied terrorism threats by performing at the West African city's musical festival Festival Acoustik Bamako earlier this month, despite the fact the country was in a state of emergency, and now he has been given the name by locals as well as having a school room named after him.
Of his new honour, he said: "I'm not used to this sort of thing, but it's fantastic to see this classroom. And it's a school dedicated to music and dance. That's where my heart is, so my heart is here."
A local man explained why British pop star Damon was handed the name and said he came to show the people not to let the violence and tragic events get in the way of their culture.
According to NME, he said: "Damon is not from Africa, but he is here today to be a king of these real people."
The 47-year-old singer has a long history with Mali after he released his album 'Mali Music' in 2002, as well as performing with several artists from the area including his most recent collaboration with In C Mali in 2013 and 2015.
Talking about his trip to the festival earlier this month, he said: "I was invited on this occasion, so that's even more special, really, to sort of be invited back."I'm fascinated by it. It's very tangible to me because of the music and the value of the music."
Music News
James Bay has hit back at Lily Allen who blasted the Brit Awards.
The 'Hold Back The River' crooner's comments follow those made by outspoken Lily, 30, who said the 2016 nominations were "blind to black talent" since grime artists like Skepta and Stormzy ignored and concluded that votes cast were "tactical".
The London-born singer also branded the ceremony one that British comedian Steve Coogan's alter ego Alan Partridge - who is a right wing radio presenter with poor taste - "would approve of."
But James thinks the 'Smile' singer's comments are irrelevant and told the Mirror newspaper: "I haven't seen (American rock band) REO Speedwagon in the nominations , so I don't know if it's entirely Partridge. It's varied nominations. It's about music. I don't know why she's had to go down that route. I haven't looked closely into all the nominations but it's interesting she should bring that up."
James - who is nominated for Best Male Solo Artist and will perform at the ceremony on Wednesday(24.02.16) at the O2 Arena in London - added: "I can't think of her last album, when she last released something."
Lily's last album was 'Sheezus' which came out in 2014.
However, Brits boss Max Lousada responded to comments last week from singer Laura Mvula who described the ceremony as having a "diversity issue"
He said: "The intention has always been to have a show that reflects the runners and riders and a diverse crowd."
What's more, he claims he spoke directly with artists who said the feeling was "letdown because certain musical genres weren't represented - such as grime - rather than a racial balance".
James, 25, will perform at the music industry bash with Adele, Jess Glynne and Little Mix.
James Bay blasts Lily Allen over Brits comments
James Bay has hit back at Lily Allen who blasted the Brit Awards.
The 'Hold Back The River' crooner's comments follow those made by outspoken Lily, 30, who said the 2016 nominations were "blind to black talent" since grime artists like Skepta and Stormzy ignored and concluded that votes cast were "tactical".
The London-born singer also branded the ceremony one that British comedian Steve Coogan's alter ego Alan Partridge - who is a right wing radio presenter with poor taste - "would approve of."
But James thinks the 'Smile' singer's comments are irrelevant and told the Mirror newspaper: "I haven't seen (American rock band) REO Speedwagon in the nominations , so I don't know if it's entirely Partridge. It's varied nominations. It's about music. I don't know why she's had to go down that route. I haven't looked closely into all the nominations but it's interesting she should bring that up."
James - who is nominated for Best Male Solo Artist and will perform at the ceremony on Wednesday(24.02.16) at the O2 Arena in London - added: "I can't think of her last album, when she last released something."
Lily's last album was 'Sheezus' which came out in 2014.
However, Brits boss Max Lousada responded to comments last week from singer Laura Mvula who described the ceremony as having a "diversity issue"
He said: "The intention has always been to have a show that reflects the runners and riders and a diverse crowd."
What's more, he claims he spoke directly with artists who said the feeling was "letdown because certain musical genres weren't represented - such as grime - rather than a racial balance".
James, 25, will perform at the music industry bash with Adele, Jess Glynne and Little Mix.
Music News
Mel B likes "everything" about herself.
The 40-year-old singer has revealed she has learnt to totally embrace who she is and does not dislike any aspect of the woman she has become.
She said: "I like everything about myself because I have no choice. It is what it is. You have to love the skin you're in."
Mel is mixed race and has encountered racist attitudes at different points in her life. The former Spice Girl identified racism as the thing she dislikes most in the world.
She told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "Anybody of colour will have experienced racism at some point in their life and I definitely have - I'm not fully black and I'm not fully white. I am a mix and people get confused."
Mel is hugely proud of the incredible success she has enjoyed during her career and in particular, her record-breaking experiences with the Spice Girls.
What's more, she is thrilled that the band have remained so close since they went their separate ways.
She shared: "To have five girls, from all different walks of life, who are still friends 20 years later - that's an achievement."
Mel B: I like everything about myself
Mel B likes "everything" about herself.
The 40-year-old singer has revealed she has learnt to totally embrace who she is and does not dislike any aspect of the woman she has become.
She said: "I like everything about myself because I have no choice. It is what it is. You have to love the skin you're in."
Mel is mixed race and has encountered racist attitudes at different points in her life. The former Spice Girl identified racism as the thing she dislikes most in the world.
She told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "Anybody of colour will have experienced racism at some point in their life and I definitely have - I'm not fully black and I'm not fully white. I am a mix and people get confused."
Mel is hugely proud of the incredible success she has enjoyed during her career and in particular, her record-breaking experiences with the Spice Girls.
What's more, she is thrilled that the band have remained so close since they went their separate ways.
She shared: "To have five girls, from all different walks of life, who are still friends 20 years later - that's an achievement."
Music News
Pixie Lott cannot imagine a day when she no longer wants to make music.
The blonde beauty has appeared in stage shows and on TV in recent years, but has revealed music remains her true passion.
The 25-year-old star - who is playing the lead role in a stage production of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's - said: "I just keep on going. I do stuff that I believe in myself. You can't keep everybody happy all of the time, so you need to keep doing what you enjoy and do what you think is right.
"When I stop enjoying myself, I'll just pack it in! But I don't think that will ever happen, because I have the bug to just keep going. I've been doing this for ages and the buzz is still the same as it was from the start."
Pixie is constantly writing new music, but has revealed she is unlikely to release anything until 2017.
She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Music has been and still is my number one, but there are other areas I want to focus on.
"Doing 'Strictly Come Dancing' [in 2014] was definitely branching out of my comfort zone, and I learned so much from that, and that's what I'm hoping for from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's."
Pixie Lott remains passionate about making music
Pixie Lott cannot imagine a day when she no longer wants to make music.
The blonde beauty has appeared in stage shows and on TV in recent years, but has revealed music remains her true passion.
The 25-year-old star - who is playing the lead role in a stage production of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's - said: "I just keep on going. I do stuff that I believe in myself. You can't keep everybody happy all of the time, so you need to keep doing what you enjoy and do what you think is right.
"When I stop enjoying myself, I'll just pack it in! But I don't think that will ever happen, because I have the bug to just keep going. I've been doing this for ages and the buzz is still the same as it was from the start."
Pixie is constantly writing new music, but has revealed she is unlikely to release anything until 2017.
She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Music has been and still is my number one, but there are other areas I want to focus on.
"Doing 'Strictly Come Dancing' [in 2014] was definitely branching out of my comfort zone, and I learned so much from that, and that's what I'm hoping for from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's."
Music News
Carl Barât still has an "intense" friendship with Pete Doherty.
The Libertines rocker, 37, admitted he might not always see eye to eye with his co-frontman, but that hasn't stopped them finding their "stride" in recent years.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz, he said: "We are really happy with the stride we've found, it has taken us 15 years and 20 in Pete's case. We have a really intense relationship, but it's better than no relationship at all."
The indie rockers returned with their first record in 11 years, 'Anthems for Doomed Youth', at the end of last year and on reflection, Carl admitted even if the LP was a flop it wouldn't matter because he has his pal back.
He said: "Even if the record didn't do well, we got our relationship back and that's the most important thing."
Last week the 'Up the Bracket' hitmakers - also including bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell - picked up Music Moment of the Year for their secret performance at 2015's Glastonbury Festival and were also honoured with the Best Fan Community prize at the NME Awards and speaking after the bash, Carl said his fans are the most important thing about the band and he hopes they never "let them down".
He added: "The young kids that come to the gigs that means loads to us, we don't want to let them down."
Carl Barât: My relationship with Pete Doherty is intense but we are happy
Carl Barât still has an "intense" friendship with Pete Doherty.
The Libertines rocker, 37, admitted he might not always see eye to eye with his co-frontman, but that hasn't stopped them finding their "stride" in recent years.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz, he said: "We are really happy with the stride we've found, it has taken us 15 years and 20 in Pete's case. We have a really intense relationship, but it's better than no relationship at all."
The indie rockers returned with their first record in 11 years, 'Anthems for Doomed Youth', at the end of last year and on reflection, Carl admitted even if the LP was a flop it wouldn't matter because he has his pal back.
He said: "Even if the record didn't do well, we got our relationship back and that's the most important thing."
Last week the 'Up the Bracket' hitmakers - also including bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell - picked up Music Moment of the Year for their secret performance at 2015's Glastonbury Festival and were also honoured with the Best Fan Community prize at the NME Awards and speaking after the bash, Carl said his fans are the most important thing about the band and he hopes they never "let them down".
He added: "The young kids that come to the gigs that means loads to us, we don't want to let them down."
Music News
The Libertines and Charli XCX are set to make music together.
Singer/songwriter Carl Barât revealed a collaboration between his band and the 23-year-old pop-punk star "will happen" eventually, after they were introduced by their mutual manager David Bianchi and hit it off.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz about future plans with the 'Boom Clap' hitmaker, Carl teased: "We (Charli and Libertines) share a manager and Dave was on about that. I am sure that will happen down the line."
And it won't be the first time the 'Can't Stand Me Now' rockers - who formed in 1997 and also include co-frontman Pete Doherty, John Hassall on bass and Gary Powell on drums - have shared their vast musical experience with a younger artist.
Carl also revealed the band are currently writing with 19-year-old singer Rat Boy, who picked up NME's Best New Artist award at London's O2 Brixton Academy on Wednesday (17.02.16) and said he was going to celebrate by "taking a lot of drugs".
Meanwhile, Carl is just thrilled to be back playing music with his pals after a five-year break and tumultuous few years where Pete struggled to get his drug and alcohol addiction under control.
Speaking about their comeback that began in 2014 and the new fans they've garnered - Carl, 37, said: "We did 100 odd (shows). We are really happy with the stride we've found, it has taken us 15 years and 20 in Pete's case. The young kids coming to the gigs that means loads to us, we don't want to let them down."
The Libertines to write with Charli XCX
The Libertines and Charli XCX are set to make music together.
Singer/songwriter Carl Barât revealed a collaboration between his band and the 23-year-old pop-punk star "will happen" eventually, after they were introduced by their mutual manager David Bianchi and hit it off.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz about future plans with the 'Boom Clap' hitmaker, Carl teased: "We (Charli and Libertines) share a manager and Dave was on about that. I am sure that will happen down the line."
And it won't be the first time the 'Can't Stand Me Now' rockers - who formed in 1997 and also include co-frontman Pete Doherty, John Hassall on bass and Gary Powell on drums - have shared their vast musical experience with a younger artist.
Carl also revealed the band are currently writing with 19-year-old singer Rat Boy, who picked up NME's Best New Artist award at London's O2 Brixton Academy on Wednesday (17.02.16) and said he was going to celebrate by "taking a lot of drugs".
Meanwhile, Carl is just thrilled to be back playing music with his pals after a five-year break and tumultuous few years where Pete struggled to get his drug and alcohol addiction under control.
Speaking about their comeback that began in 2014 and the new fans they've garnered - Carl, 37, said: "We did 100 odd (shows). We are really happy with the stride we've found, it has taken us 15 years and 20 in Pete's case. The young kids coming to the gigs that means loads to us, we don't want to let them down."
Music News
Jess Glynne and Rudimental are to play MTV Crashes Plymouth this year.
The mini-music festival is returning to Britain's Ocean City for another year with the two mega pop acts headlining the first night of the two-day event on July 28.
Jess and Rudimental will be followed by Example and Tough Love on July 29.
Speaking about her appearance, triple BRIT nominee Jess said, "I'm so happy to be playing MTV Crashes Plymouth! The line-up is wicked, I love the Rudimental boys. It's going to be awesome and I can't wait to get down there!"
Rudimental said: "We can't wait for MTV Crashes Plymouth in July. Who doesn't love a party next to the sea! See you there!"
Last year, MTV Crashes Plymouth saw Tinie Tempah, Little Mix and Kodaline whip a crowd of over 30,000 into a pop-frenzy on the sun-drenched Hoe.
And Example is up for the challenge of doing the same.
He said: "I can't wait to be to be performing in front of a massive crowd and looking over the sea! I was there in 2014 and it was an incredible line up and I had an amazing time and I'm really excited to do it all over again!"
Dubbed one of the biggest music events in the South West of England this summer, more acts are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Second round tickets go on sale this weekend on Saturday (20.02.16) at www.plymouthpavilions.com/mtvcrashes but those unlucky enough not to get tickets will be able to watch the concert on MTV's flagship UK music TV channels.
Jess Glynne to headline MTV Crashes Plymouth
Jess Glynne and Rudimental are to play MTV Crashes Plymouth this year.
The mini-music festival is returning to Britain's Ocean City for another year with the two mega pop acts headlining the first night of the two-day event on July 28.
Jess and Rudimental will be followed by Example and Tough Love on July 29.
Speaking about her appearance, triple BRIT nominee Jess said, "I'm so happy to be playing MTV Crashes Plymouth! The line-up is wicked, I love the Rudimental boys. It's going to be awesome and I can't wait to get down there!"
Rudimental said: "We can't wait for MTV Crashes Plymouth in July. Who doesn't love a party next to the sea! See you there!"
Last year, MTV Crashes Plymouth saw Tinie Tempah, Little Mix and Kodaline whip a crowd of over 30,000 into a pop-frenzy on the sun-drenched Hoe.
And Example is up for the challenge of doing the same.
He said: "I can't wait to be to be performing in front of a massive crowd and looking over the sea! I was there in 2014 and it was an incredible line up and I had an amazing time and I'm really excited to do it all over again!"
Dubbed one of the biggest music events in the South West of England this summer, more acts are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Second round tickets go on sale this weekend on Saturday (20.02.16) at www.plymouthpavilions.com/mtvcrashes but those unlucky enough not to get tickets will be able to watch the concert on MTV's flagship UK music TV channels.
Music News
Raleigh Ritchie's "idol" Pharrell Williams asked for a one-to-one chat to discuss a future collaboration.
The 25-year-old singer - who also plays Grey Worm, the leader of the 'unsullied' in HBO television series 'Game of Thrones' - met the 'Freedom' star when he travelled to the UK and personally requested the meet.
And though they are yet to lock in studio time, Raleigh - whose real name is Jacob Anderson - told BANG Showbiz: "When he came over to the UK, he invited me to go and meet him at a show he was doing and that's when we chatted. It was just cool to meet somebody that I respect a lot and have since I was very young ... He is one of my idols. He was just very cool. The thing that is cool about him is he's exactly what you expect him to be. We were talking about a song which we didn't end up doing ... I ended up chatting to him for about an hour, and hopefully we'll work together in the future."
Meanwhile, hot of the success of his first single 'Bloodsport', the singer just released his second single new single 'Never Better' from his forthcoming debut album 'You're a Man Now, Boy' out on February 26.
And despite his burgeoning music career, he hasn't let his friends in the cast of 'Game of Thrones' hear his album, yet.
He said: "Nathalie (Emmanuel who plays Missandei) knows that I make music and she seems to like it. But I never really talk about it to be honest with you. And it never really comes up. I have to show up one day and be like, 'Hey Everyone, get your aux leads out and I'm gonna play you my whole album'."
Game of Thrones Raleigh Ritchie to collaborate with Pharrell?
Raleigh Ritchie's "idol" Pharrell Williams asked for a one-to-one chat to discuss a future collaboration.
The 25-year-old singer - who also plays Grey Worm, the leader of the 'unsullied' in HBO television series 'Game of Thrones' - met the 'Freedom' star when he travelled to the UK and personally requested the meet.
And though they are yet to lock in studio time, Raleigh - whose real name is Jacob Anderson - told BANG Showbiz: "When he came over to the UK, he invited me to go and meet him at a show he was doing and that's when we chatted. It was just cool to meet somebody that I respect a lot and have since I was very young ... He is one of my idols. He was just very cool. The thing that is cool about him is he's exactly what you expect him to be. We were talking about a song which we didn't end up doing ... I ended up chatting to him for about an hour, and hopefully we'll work together in the future."
Meanwhile, hot of the success of his first single 'Bloodsport', the singer just released his second single new single 'Never Better' from his forthcoming debut album 'You're a Man Now, Boy' out on February 26.
And despite his burgeoning music career, he hasn't let his friends in the cast of 'Game of Thrones' hear his album, yet.
He said: "Nathalie (Emmanuel who plays Missandei) knows that I make music and she seems to like it. But I never really talk about it to be honest with you. And it never really comes up. I have to show up one day and be like, 'Hey Everyone, get your aux leads out and I'm gonna play you my whole album'."
Music News
George Harrison is featured posthumously on Eric Clapton's new LP 'I Still Do'.
Clapton has unveiled the tracklisting for his album on his website (Ericclapton.com) and the track 'I Will Be There' features a credit to L'Angelo Misterioso - which was the pseudonym Harrison used when he played guitar on Clapton's song 'Badge', which featured on Cream's 1969 album 'Goodbye'.
Harrison - who died in November 2001 at the age of 58 - and Clapton were close friends in the 60s and Clapton even featured on The Beatles' 'White Album' in 1968, providing the solo to 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'.
However, their friendship was effectively ended when Clapton had an affair with Harrison's wife Pattie Boyd and went on to marry her in 1979, two years after she divorced the former Beatle.
But the two music legends did eventually reconcile their relationship and became close again.
For his 23rd studio album 'I Still Do', Clapton has reunited with 'Slowhand' producer Glyn Johns and he's very pleased with the music they've made together.
Clapton said: "This was a long and overdue opportunity to work with Glyn Johns again, and also, incidentally, the fortieth anniversary of 'Slowhand'!"
For the artwork of 'I Still Do', Sir Peter Blake - who co-created The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' cover among many others - has produced an illustration of the 'Tears in Heaven' hitmaker and has signed the bottom right hand corner of it.
Johns - who is known for his work with The Who, The Eagles and Led Zeppelin - last teamed up with Clapton on 'Slowhand' almost four decades ago.
'I Still Do' is the follow-up to 2014's 'Clapton & Friends: The Breeze, An Appreciation of JJ Cale' record.
The album will be released through Clapton's Bushbranch via Surfdog Records on May 20.
Eric Clapton 'I Still Do' tracklisting:
Alabama Woman Blues
Can't Let You Do It
I Will Be There
Spiral
Catch The Blues
Cypress Grove
Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day
Stones In My Passway
I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine
I'll Be Alright
Somebody's Knockin'
I'll Be Seeing You
George Harrison features on Eric Clapton’s new LP
George Harrison is featured posthumously on Eric Clapton's new LP 'I Still Do'.
Clapton has unveiled the tracklisting for his album on his website (Ericclapton.com) and the track 'I Will Be There' features a credit to L'Angelo Misterioso - which was the pseudonym Harrison used when he played guitar on Clapton's song 'Badge', which featured on Cream's 1969 album 'Goodbye'.
Harrison - who died in November 2001 at the age of 58 - and Clapton were close friends in the 60s and Clapton even featured on The Beatles' 'White Album' in 1968, providing the solo to 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'.
However, their friendship was effectively ended when Clapton had an affair with Harrison's wife Pattie Boyd and went on to marry her in 1979, two years after she divorced the former Beatle.
But the two music legends did eventually reconcile their relationship and became close again.
For his 23rd studio album 'I Still Do', Clapton has reunited with 'Slowhand' producer Glyn Johns and he's very pleased with the music they've made together.
Clapton said: "This was a long and overdue opportunity to work with Glyn Johns again, and also, incidentally, the fortieth anniversary of 'Slowhand'!"
For the artwork of 'I Still Do', Sir Peter Blake - who co-created The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' cover among many others - has produced an illustration of the 'Tears in Heaven' hitmaker and has signed the bottom right hand corner of it.
Johns - who is known for his work with The Who, The Eagles and Led Zeppelin - last teamed up with Clapton on 'Slowhand' almost four decades ago.
'I Still Do' is the follow-up to 2014's 'Clapton & Friends: The Breeze, An Appreciation of JJ Cale' record.
The album will be released through Clapton's Bushbranch via Surfdog Records on May 20.
Eric Clapton 'I Still Do' tracklisting:
Alabama Woman Blues
Can't Let You Do It
I Will Be There
Spiral
Catch The Blues
Cypress Grove
Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day
Stones In My Passway
I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine
I'll Be Alright
Somebody's Knockin'
I'll Be Seeing You