Music News
Music News
Sir Elton John has advised Ed Sheeran to hire a band.
The 'Tiny Dancer' hitmaker has been a longtime supporter and friend of Ed's but he thinks if he wants his music to get even more popular he needs to add backing musicians to his trademark solo set-up.
Elton told The Sun newspaper: "Putting on my management hat, that has to change. I'm doing it to make sure his [Ed's] career goes the right way. I'm very good at that."
The 68-year-old musician - who owns Rocket Music Entertainment Group, the management company that is responsible for Ed - has a good track record when it comes to giving the 'Thinking Out Loud' songwriter advice.
It was Elton who suggested he tour with Taylor Swift in the US rather than work on a follow up to his smash hit debut LP '+' because it was a "no-brainer" that touring with the multi-award-winning pop star would expand his audience.
Elton previously said: "I've been advising him, and own the company that manages him. He asks me for advice. For example, a couple of years ago, he told me that the record company wanted a follow up to '+', but he was also offered a tour with Taylor Swift, 88 shows in America.
"He said to me. 'What should I do?' I said to him, 'It's a no-brainer. You do the 88 shows with Taylor Swift. She'll be on top of the bill. You'll be coming on when people are coming in. It's not your audience.' It'll give you so much backbone, and you can't buy that experience. And you know Taylor. You like her. Do that - there's plenty of time for a second record.' "
Sir Elton John: Ed Sheeran should get a band
Sir Elton John has advised Ed Sheeran to hire a band.
The 'Tiny Dancer' hitmaker has been a longtime supporter and friend of Ed's but he thinks if he wants his music to get even more popular he needs to add backing musicians to his trademark solo set-up.
Elton told The Sun newspaper: "Putting on my management hat, that has to change. I'm doing it to make sure his [Ed's] career goes the right way. I'm very good at that."
The 68-year-old musician - who owns Rocket Music Entertainment Group, the management company that is responsible for Ed - has a good track record when it comes to giving the 'Thinking Out Loud' songwriter advice.
It was Elton who suggested he tour with Taylor Swift in the US rather than work on a follow up to his smash hit debut LP '+' because it was a "no-brainer" that touring with the multi-award-winning pop star would expand his audience.
Elton previously said: "I've been advising him, and own the company that manages him. He asks me for advice. For example, a couple of years ago, he told me that the record company wanted a follow up to '+', but he was also offered a tour with Taylor Swift, 88 shows in America.
"He said to me. 'What should I do?' I said to him, 'It's a no-brainer. You do the 88 shows with Taylor Swift. She'll be on top of the bill. You'll be coming on when people are coming in. It's not your audience.' It'll give you so much backbone, and you can't buy that experience. And you know Taylor. You like her. Do that - there's plenty of time for a second record.' "
Music News
David Bowie's upcoming album 'Blackstar' is inspired by rapper Kendrick Lamar.
The 68-year-old singer has been busy recording his 25th studio album with long-time producer Tony Visconti and the studio mastermind has revealed the pair spent a lot of time listening to the 'Poetic Justice' hitmaker's LPs and they were very impressed by his ability to veer between different musical genres.
Tony said: "We were listening to a lot of Kendrick Lamar. We wound up with nothing like that, but we loved the fact Kendrick was so open-minded and he didn't do a straight-up hip hop record. He threw everything on there, and that's exactly what we wanted to do. The goal, in many, many ways, was to avoid rock and roll."
Another artist to have an impact on the record was LCD Soundsystem founder James Murphy, who plays drums on two of the tracks.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Tony said: "At one point we were talking about three producers for the album: David, James and myself.
"[James] was there for a brief time, but he had his own projects to go off to."
'Blackstar' will be released through RCA on January 8, 2016, which will be Bowie's 69th birthday.
The release comes three years after the music legend's surprise LP 'The Next Day', which was his first album in a decade and went on to top charts around the world.
David Bowie’s Blackstar influenced by Kendrick Lamar
David Bowie's upcoming album 'Blackstar' is inspired by rapper Kendrick Lamar.
The 68-year-old singer has been busy recording his 25th studio album with long-time producer Tony Visconti and the studio mastermind has revealed the pair spent a lot of time listening to the 'Poetic Justice' hitmaker's LPs and they were very impressed by his ability to veer between different musical genres.
Tony said: "We were listening to a lot of Kendrick Lamar. We wound up with nothing like that, but we loved the fact Kendrick was so open-minded and he didn't do a straight-up hip hop record. He threw everything on there, and that's exactly what we wanted to do. The goal, in many, many ways, was to avoid rock and roll."
Another artist to have an impact on the record was LCD Soundsystem founder James Murphy, who plays drums on two of the tracks.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Tony said: "At one point we were talking about three producers for the album: David, James and myself.
"[James] was there for a brief time, but he had his own projects to go off to."
'Blackstar' will be released through RCA on January 8, 2016, which will be Bowie's 69th birthday.
The release comes three years after the music legend's surprise LP 'The Next Day', which was his first album in a decade and went on to top charts around the world.
Music News
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott thinks modern bands lack "focus" because of social media.
The 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' hitmaker thinks musicians nowadays spend too much time on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, time which they could spend honing their songs, and he is "glad" the medium wasn't around when the hard rock band started out in 1977.
He said: "I'm glad it wasn't around when we started, purely because it gave us more opportunity to concentrate on what we really wanted to be. It wasn't, like, 'We can't rehearse today because we've got to answer all these questions.' I think that actually is one of the reasons there aren't so many bands coming through the way that we did - they have other tasks they have to perform that we didn't."
The 56-year-old frontman doesn't think he'd have been "as good" a singer if he'd spent his time at the start of his career responding to tweets rather than rehearsing with his bandmates.
He told Classic Rock magazine: "We learned to play our instruments, we learned to sing, we learned to write songs together, and that was our only focus. Once we got that down, and then if other stuff comes in, you can probably split your time and manage to do both.
"For me, I'm not sure I would have been as good if I was starting off the way it is now. It would have been too much of an interference."
Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott slams social media
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott thinks modern bands lack "focus" because of social media.
The 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' hitmaker thinks musicians nowadays spend too much time on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, time which they could spend honing their songs, and he is "glad" the medium wasn't around when the hard rock band started out in 1977.
He said: "I'm glad it wasn't around when we started, purely because it gave us more opportunity to concentrate on what we really wanted to be. It wasn't, like, 'We can't rehearse today because we've got to answer all these questions.' I think that actually is one of the reasons there aren't so many bands coming through the way that we did - they have other tasks they have to perform that we didn't."
The 56-year-old frontman doesn't think he'd have been "as good" a singer if he'd spent his time at the start of his career responding to tweets rather than rehearsing with his bandmates.
He told Classic Rock magazine: "We learned to play our instruments, we learned to sing, we learned to write songs together, and that was our only focus. Once we got that down, and then if other stuff comes in, you can probably split your time and manage to do both.
"For me, I'm not sure I would have been as good if I was starting off the way it is now. It would have been too much of an interference."
Music News
The BRITs 2016 Critics' Choice Award shortlist has been unveiled.
This year sees London-based songstress Izzy Bizu, piano maestro Frances and soul singer Jack Garratt nominated for the award passed down by 'Hold Back The River' hitmaker James Bay who won last year.
Sharing her delight of being selected, Izzy said: "I'm so honoured to be nominated for the BRITs Critics' Choice Award this year, following in the footsteps of amazingly talented artists like Adele, Emeli Sande and James Bay so thank you! I grew up watching the BRITs on the TV at home so it's pretty exciting to be a part of it!"
And Frances, 22, says it's a "huge honour" to be nominated for an award that was once given to so many of her "idols".
She commented: "It's such a huge honour to be nominated for the Critics' Choice award. I've followed the BRITs my whole life, but never thought I'd be lucky enough to be nominated...It's amazing to be a part of something that has included so many of my idols and musical inspirations. An amazing feeling. Thank you."'
While Jack was thrilled just to be nominated alongside some "incredible new acts".
He said: "It's amazing to be nominated for the BRITs Critics' Choice Award 2016. It's such a significant award that highlights the importance of new music, so it's a genuine honour to have been nominated alongside some other incredible new acts from the UK."
The prestigious accolade - which is chosen by the UK's leading music press - is awarded to artists who are gearing up to release a debut album in 2016.
The lucky winner will handed a unique gong created by music and fashion legend Pam Hogg at the music extravaganza held at London's O2 Arena on 27 November 2015.
Previous winners including Adele, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine and Ellie Goulding who have all gone on to achieve global success.
Adele - who won in 2008 - is set to break UK chart history with her third LP '25' in line to be the UK's fastest-selling album ever.
BRITs Critics’ Choice Award 2016 nominees revealed
The BRITs 2016 Critics' Choice Award shortlist has been unveiled.
This year sees London-based songstress Izzy Bizu, piano maestro Frances and soul singer Jack Garratt nominated for the award passed down by 'Hold Back The River' hitmaker James Bay who won last year.
Sharing her delight of being selected, Izzy said: "I'm so honoured to be nominated for the BRITs Critics' Choice Award this year, following in the footsteps of amazingly talented artists like Adele, Emeli Sande and James Bay so thank you! I grew up watching the BRITs on the TV at home so it's pretty exciting to be a part of it!"
And Frances, 22, says it's a "huge honour" to be nominated for an award that was once given to so many of her "idols".
She commented: "It's such a huge honour to be nominated for the Critics' Choice award. I've followed the BRITs my whole life, but never thought I'd be lucky enough to be nominated...It's amazing to be a part of something that has included so many of my idols and musical inspirations. An amazing feeling. Thank you."'
While Jack was thrilled just to be nominated alongside some "incredible new acts".
He said: "It's amazing to be nominated for the BRITs Critics' Choice Award 2016. It's such a significant award that highlights the importance of new music, so it's a genuine honour to have been nominated alongside some other incredible new acts from the UK."
The prestigious accolade - which is chosen by the UK's leading music press - is awarded to artists who are gearing up to release a debut album in 2016.
The lucky winner will handed a unique gong created by music and fashion legend Pam Hogg at the music extravaganza held at London's O2 Arena on 27 November 2015.
Previous winners including Adele, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine and Ellie Goulding who have all gone on to achieve global success.
Adele - who won in 2008 - is set to break UK chart history with her third LP '25' in line to be the UK's fastest-selling album ever.
Music News
Sir Elton John is to perform at Henley Festival next year.
The 'Tiny Dancer' singer - who has sons Zachary, five, and Elijah, two, with partner David Furnish - has announced he will play the Floating Stage at the boutique festival for the first time on July 6, 2016.
Elton - who has just five concerts scheduled for the UK next year - said: "The simple truth is I want to spend more time with my family, and I am only too aware of just how precious the time ahead is. My sons are growing up so quickly; their early years are just flying by and I want to be there with them.
"So these concerts will give me the chance to thank the British audiences who have been so faithful to me over these many decades. We cannot get to everyone but I am going to try - and I am thrilled that I will be able to say I have played the beautiful Henley-on-Thames."
The news comes after it was announced his highly anticipated new album 'Wonderful Crazy Night' will be released on February 5, 2016.
Henley Festival is attended by 7,000 ticket holders dressed in black tie, who will be served Michelin star food at the Henley-on-Thames location.
Following Elton's performance on the opening night there will be a 15-minute firework display along the river.
Henley Festival Director Charlotte Geeves said: "We are extremely excited to be able to announce that the world's most famous pop star will be headlining Henley Festival for the first time. Henley Festival goers are huge Elton John fans so he can expect a very warm welcome when he plays at Henley. It's definitely going to be a night to remember and we can't wait for him to open the festival in July."
Other acts who will perform at the festival will be announced in the coming weeks.
Elton John to perform at Henley Festival
Sir Elton John is to perform at Henley Festival next year.
The 'Tiny Dancer' singer - who has sons Zachary, five, and Elijah, two, with partner David Furnish - has announced he will play the Floating Stage at the boutique festival for the first time on July 6, 2016.
Elton - who has just five concerts scheduled for the UK next year - said: "The simple truth is I want to spend more time with my family, and I am only too aware of just how precious the time ahead is. My sons are growing up so quickly; their early years are just flying by and I want to be there with them.
"So these concerts will give me the chance to thank the British audiences who have been so faithful to me over these many decades. We cannot get to everyone but I am going to try - and I am thrilled that I will be able to say I have played the beautiful Henley-on-Thames."
The news comes after it was announced his highly anticipated new album 'Wonderful Crazy Night' will be released on February 5, 2016.
Henley Festival is attended by 7,000 ticket holders dressed in black tie, who will be served Michelin star food at the Henley-on-Thames location.
Following Elton's performance on the opening night there will be a 15-minute firework display along the river.
Henley Festival Director Charlotte Geeves said: "We are extremely excited to be able to announce that the world's most famous pop star will be headlining Henley Festival for the first time. Henley Festival goers are huge Elton John fans so he can expect a very warm welcome when he plays at Henley. It's definitely going to be a night to remember and we can't wait for him to open the festival in July."
Other acts who will perform at the festival will be announced in the coming weeks.
Music News
The Foo Fighters have released a surprise EP in memory of those killed in the Paris terrorist attacks.
The 'Learn To Fly' hitmakers - who were forced to cancel the rest of their world tour after the atrocities in the French capital - have dropped the free download, 'Saint Cecilia'.
In a heartfelt letter on their official website, frontman Dave Grohl writes: "Tonight, Let me begin with a preface to a letter I wrote a few weeks ago from my hotel room in Berlin while on our final tour for this album. I felt the need to write this foreword in light of the heartbreaking tragedies of Nov. 13th, as this project has now taken on an entirely different tone. As has everything, it seems...
"The Saint Cecilia EP was put into motion back in October of this year as a celebration of life and music. The concept being that, as our world tour drew to a close this week, we wanted to share our love of both with you in return for everything you have given us. (sic)"
The 46-year-old musician also revealed he hopes the band's music will bring a "little light into this sometimes dark world".
He added: "Now, there is a new, hopeful intention that, even in the smallest way, perhaps these songs can bring a little light into this sometimes dark world. To remind us that music is life, and that hope and healing go hand in hand with song. That much can never be taken away.
"To all who were affected by the atrocities in Paris, loved ones and friends, our hearts go out to you and your families. We will return and celebrate life and love with you once again someday with our music. As it should be done."
Foo Fighters release surprise EP
The Foo Fighters have released a surprise EP in memory of those killed in the Paris terrorist attacks.
The 'Learn To Fly' hitmakers - who were forced to cancel the rest of their world tour after the atrocities in the French capital - have dropped the free download, 'Saint Cecilia'.
In a heartfelt letter on their official website, frontman Dave Grohl writes: "Tonight, Let me begin with a preface to a letter I wrote a few weeks ago from my hotel room in Berlin while on our final tour for this album. I felt the need to write this foreword in light of the heartbreaking tragedies of Nov. 13th, as this project has now taken on an entirely different tone. As has everything, it seems...
"The Saint Cecilia EP was put into motion back in October of this year as a celebration of life and music. The concept being that, as our world tour drew to a close this week, we wanted to share our love of both with you in return for everything you have given us. (sic)"
The 46-year-old musician also revealed he hopes the band's music will bring a "little light into this sometimes dark world".
He added: "Now, there is a new, hopeful intention that, even in the smallest way, perhaps these songs can bring a little light into this sometimes dark world. To remind us that music is life, and that hope and healing go hand in hand with song. That much can never be taken away.
"To all who were affected by the atrocities in Paris, loved ones and friends, our hearts go out to you and your families. We will return and celebrate life and love with you once again someday with our music. As it should be done."
Music News
Boyce Avenue think One Direction are "down to earth" guys and they are grateful for their support.
The US rock band comprising of brothers Daniel, Alejandro and Fabian Manzano opened for 1D in the UK in January 2012 and have stayed in touch with the boys - Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne - as they have conquered the globe's pop charts.
And Daniel insists their worldwide fame and wealth have not changed the British band - which included Zayn Malik when Boyce Avenue toured with them.
Daniel exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "We've stayed in touch with the guys and they were just starting back then and in our interactions with them now they still remain, in my opinion, really down to earth."
The 35-year-old bassist is very impressed that the 'Drag Me Down' hitmakers - who have now gone on an extended break - were able to buck an American trend and become a major success as a boy band in the US.
He added: "Boy bands are quite unpopular in the United States but we saw something in the guys that we thought was really cool and so we jumped in and we did the tour and it was a really great experience.
"The guys are great and we support all of them and they've been very supportive of us."
Boyce Avenue's new single 'Be Somebody' is out now, their new album 'Road Less Traveled' will be released in early 2016 and Boyce Avenue will be touring the UK in March.
Boyce Avenue: One Direction are down to earth
Boyce Avenue think One Direction are "down to earth" guys and they are grateful for their support.
The US rock band comprising of brothers Daniel, Alejandro and Fabian Manzano opened for 1D in the UK in January 2012 and have stayed in touch with the boys - Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne - as they have conquered the globe's pop charts.
And Daniel insists their worldwide fame and wealth have not changed the British band - which included Zayn Malik when Boyce Avenue toured with them.
Daniel exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "We've stayed in touch with the guys and they were just starting back then and in our interactions with them now they still remain, in my opinion, really down to earth."
The 35-year-old bassist is very impressed that the 'Drag Me Down' hitmakers - who have now gone on an extended break - were able to buck an American trend and become a major success as a boy band in the US.
He added: "Boy bands are quite unpopular in the United States but we saw something in the guys that we thought was really cool and so we jumped in and we did the tour and it was a really great experience.
"The guys are great and we support all of them and they've been very supportive of us."
Boyce Avenue's new single 'Be Somebody' is out now, their new album 'Road Less Traveled' will be released in early 2016 and Boyce Avenue will be touring the UK in March.
Music News
Tinie Tempah and Katy B will perform their hit 'Turn The Music Louder' at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball on Saturday December 5.
The 27-year-old rapper and 26-year-old singer will take to the stage
at The O2 arena in London to duet on the collaboration, which they recorded with house producer KDA.
Katy and Tinie join an already star-studded line-up that includes Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Jess Glynne, David Guetta, Nathan Sykes, Jason Derulo and Years & Years.
The performers confirmed for Sunday December 6 include Justin Bieber, Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, Little Mix, Nick Jonas, Sigma and Charlie Puth.
Bieber has promised he'll be ready to perform songs from his new LP 'Purpose' when he takes to the stage in the UK capital.
He previously said: "It's been a couple of years, I enjoy any performance for my fans. I just love the energy, when they come to watch me perform their whole mentality and their whole spirit is coming just ready to have an awesome time. It's going to be high-energy, a lot of singing and a lot of dancing. I think I'll be singing some of my new stuff by then, yeah."
Tinie Tempah and Katy B to duet at Jingle Bell Ball
Tinie Tempah and Katy B will perform their hit 'Turn The Music Louder' at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball on Saturday December 5.
The 27-year-old rapper and 26-year-old singer will take to the stage
at The O2 arena in London to duet on the collaboration, which they recorded with house producer KDA.
Katy and Tinie join an already star-studded line-up that includes Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Jess Glynne, David Guetta, Nathan Sykes, Jason Derulo and Years & Years.
The performers confirmed for Sunday December 6 include Justin Bieber, Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, Little Mix, Nick Jonas, Sigma and Charlie Puth.
Bieber has promised he'll be ready to perform songs from his new LP 'Purpose' when he takes to the stage in the UK capital.
He previously said: "It's been a couple of years, I enjoy any performance for my fans. I just love the energy, when they come to watch me perform their whole mentality and their whole spirit is coming just ready to have an awesome time. It's going to be high-energy, a lot of singing and a lot of dancing. I think I'll be singing some of my new stuff by then, yeah."