Music News
Music News
Iron Maiden will receive the O2 Silver Clef Award for outstanding contribution to UK music.
The rock group has been named by music charity Nordoff Robbins as the 2015 recipient of the accolade, and will be presented with the award at the organisation's 40th anniversary O2 Silver Clef Lunch on July 3 at Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London.
The band have been chosen to receive the prize in recognition of their global success, having sold over 90 million albums and performed more than 2,000 concerts, and means they will join previous recipients including David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney and Annie Lennox.
On being announced as the winners, the band said: "Nordoff Robbins is an exceptional charity and their dedication to changing people's lives through music therapy is something we all very much support. We're extremely proud to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award and be part of the 40th anniversary event celebrating this wonderful achievement."
The announcement was made at a private party at The Club at Café Royal in London on Monday (23.03.15), where it was also revealed Il Divo will be awarded the coveted PPL Classical Award.
The cross-over opera group have sold over 30 million albums to date and achieved 50 number one records, leading to them being named the recipients.
On their win, the group said: "We are honoured to be receiving the PPL Classical Award at the 40th Anniversary of the O2 Silver Clef Lunch. We are really looking forward to the event on 3rd July."
Iron Maiden to receive O2 Silver Clef Award
Iron Maiden will receive the O2 Silver Clef Award for outstanding contribution to UK music.
The rock group has been named by music charity Nordoff Robbins as the 2015 recipient of the accolade, and will be presented with the award at the organisation's 40th anniversary O2 Silver Clef Lunch on July 3 at Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London.
The band have been chosen to receive the prize in recognition of their global success, having sold over 90 million albums and performed more than 2,000 concerts, and means they will join previous recipients including David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney and Annie Lennox.
On being announced as the winners, the band said: "Nordoff Robbins is an exceptional charity and their dedication to changing people's lives through music therapy is something we all very much support. We're extremely proud to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award and be part of the 40th anniversary event celebrating this wonderful achievement."
The announcement was made at a private party at The Club at Café Royal in London on Monday (23.03.15), where it was also revealed Il Divo will be awarded the coveted PPL Classical Award.
The cross-over opera group have sold over 30 million albums to date and achieved 50 number one records, leading to them being named the recipients.
On their win, the group said: "We are honoured to be receiving the PPL Classical Award at the 40th Anniversary of the O2 Silver Clef Lunch. We are really looking forward to the event on 3rd July."
Music News
T.I. says the recent court ruling against the hit song 'Blurred Lines' was "shocking".
The 34-year-old rapper, who co-starred on the song alongside Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, has disputed the decision to order Thicke and Pharrell to pay $7.4 million to the family of Marvin Gaye for copyright infringement.
He said: "I found it shocking. I have an immense amount of admiration and respect for Marvin Gaye's legacy. He is to me, I mean, immeasurable in his application of his efforts, energies and talents.
"I think that even in post-demise, he still translates and is extremely relevant today. I have admiration for his estate, but even the greatest of us get it wrong sometimes. Even the greatest of us.
"And I don't think that it takes away or diminishes any greatness. It nods to the fact that we are all human, no matter how great we are or how great our lineage are or how impeccable a bloodline we may come from, we all get it wrong at some point in time. And you know, I think this is one of those cases."
T.I. said the ruling creates a grey area as far as musicians are concerned.
He told Access Hollywood: "Any kind of art, creative-based business, it draws from inspiration and inspiration is intangible.
"You cannot say what was inspired by something and if it should or should not have been inspired by something."
T.I. ‘shocked’ by Blurred Lines ruling
T.I. says the recent court ruling against the hit song 'Blurred Lines' was "shocking".
The 34-year-old rapper, who co-starred on the song alongside Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, has disputed the decision to order Thicke and Pharrell to pay $7.4 million to the family of Marvin Gaye for copyright infringement.
He said: "I found it shocking. I have an immense amount of admiration and respect for Marvin Gaye's legacy. He is to me, I mean, immeasurable in his application of his efforts, energies and talents.
"I think that even in post-demise, he still translates and is extremely relevant today. I have admiration for his estate, but even the greatest of us get it wrong sometimes. Even the greatest of us.
"And I don't think that it takes away or diminishes any greatness. It nods to the fact that we are all human, no matter how great we are or how great our lineage are or how impeccable a bloodline we may come from, we all get it wrong at some point in time. And you know, I think this is one of those cases."
T.I. said the ruling creates a grey area as far as musicians are concerned.
He told Access Hollywood: "Any kind of art, creative-based business, it draws from inspiration and inspiration is intangible.
"You cannot say what was inspired by something and if it should or should not have been inspired by something."
Music News
Nile Rodgers thinks Pharrell Williams is "fantastic".
The 62-year-old Chic guitarist has worked with the producer on several tracks including Daft Punk's 2013 hit single 'Get Lucky' and has praised the musician for his songwriting flare.
Speaking about the 'Happy' hitmaker on BBC Radio 2, he said: "I love him. Pharrell and I are great friends.
"He's got the knack, he's got that thing where he can just feel songs, he can feel grooves, he's great with grooves and he's great with melodies. He's a fantastic songwriter and you know what? His personality is so amazing, and I think that that comes through in his productions and his writing."
Nile - who premiered Chic's first new single in 23 years, 'I'll Be There', on Friday (20.03.15) - has also supported his 41-year-old pal following the 'Blurred Lines' court case which ordered the star, along with singer Robin Thicke, to pay $7.3 million (£4.8 million) to the family of Marvin Gaye due to the track's similarities to the 1977 hit 'Got To Give It Up'.
He said: "[The songs] didn't really sound alike.
"Compositionally, purely compositionally, I don't think they should have lost that case. 'Got to Give it Up' is clearly a blues structure, ['Blurred Lines'] isn't at all."
Chic featuring Nile Rodgers will perform at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on June 21, with tickets available now.
Nile Rodgers praises ‘fantastic’ Pharrell Williams
Nile Rodgers thinks Pharrell Williams is "fantastic".
The 62-year-old Chic guitarist has worked with the producer on several tracks including Daft Punk's 2013 hit single 'Get Lucky' and has praised the musician for his songwriting flare.
Speaking about the 'Happy' hitmaker on BBC Radio 2, he said: "I love him. Pharrell and I are great friends.
"He's got the knack, he's got that thing where he can just feel songs, he can feel grooves, he's great with grooves and he's great with melodies. He's a fantastic songwriter and you know what? His personality is so amazing, and I think that that comes through in his productions and his writing."
Nile - who premiered Chic's first new single in 23 years, 'I'll Be There', on Friday (20.03.15) - has also supported his 41-year-old pal following the 'Blurred Lines' court case which ordered the star, along with singer Robin Thicke, to pay $7.3 million (£4.8 million) to the family of Marvin Gaye due to the track's similarities to the 1977 hit 'Got To Give It Up'.
He said: "[The songs] didn't really sound alike.
"Compositionally, purely compositionally, I don't think they should have lost that case. 'Got to Give it Up' is clearly a blues structure, ['Blurred Lines'] isn't at all."
Chic featuring Nile Rodgers will perform at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on June 21, with tickets available now.
Music News
Michael Buble needs a teleprompter to remember the lyrics to his songs.
The 39-year-old singer-songwriter requests an electronic autocue device at all of his shows in order to have easy access to the words to his songs because he is so forgetful.
A stipulation in Michael's rider reads: "A teleprompter with operator is needed. This prompter should be visible from Michael's on-stage position.
"Lyrics will be provided once the song list is confirmed."
As well as the lyric-displaying machine, the 'Haven't Met You Yet' hitmaker also requests an extra member of staff to operate the piece of kit, with several culinary demands also featuring on his rider.
According to The Sun newspaper, Michael - who is married to 27-year-old actress and model Luisana Lopilato - asks for a platter of vegetables cut to between five and eight inches in length, as well as "just ripe, but not over-ripe" bananas for his crew.
However, the crooner has little to worry about as he won't need the lyric-prompting device again after completing his 'To Be Loved Tour' on Sunday (22.03.15).
The stream of live dates began in London in June 2013 and continued throughout North America, Europe, Australia, South America and Asia, before finishing in South Africa.
Michael Buble requests teleprompter to remember lyrics
Michael Buble needs a teleprompter to remember the lyrics to his songs.
The 39-year-old singer-songwriter requests an electronic autocue device at all of his shows in order to have easy access to the words to his songs because he is so forgetful.
A stipulation in Michael's rider reads: "A teleprompter with operator is needed. This prompter should be visible from Michael's on-stage position.
"Lyrics will be provided once the song list is confirmed."
As well as the lyric-displaying machine, the 'Haven't Met You Yet' hitmaker also requests an extra member of staff to operate the piece of kit, with several culinary demands also featuring on his rider.
According to The Sun newspaper, Michael - who is married to 27-year-old actress and model Luisana Lopilato - asks for a platter of vegetables cut to between five and eight inches in length, as well as "just ripe, but not over-ripe" bananas for his crew.
However, the crooner has little to worry about as he won't need the lyric-prompting device again after completing his 'To Be Loved Tour' on Sunday (22.03.15).
The stream of live dates began in London in June 2013 and continued throughout North America, Europe, Australia, South America and Asia, before finishing in South Africa.
Music News
McBusted and Ella Henderson are among acts confirmed for Fusion Festival with Vimto.
The two day Birmingham-based festival - in support of youth charity The Prince's Trust and in association with Capital FM - will return on August 29 and 30, featuring a pop-filled line-up.
Chart-topping 'Ghost' hitmaker Ella will join drum and bass band Rudimental and 26-year-old producer Labrinth on the Saturday evening, also being joined by Grammy winning group Clean Bandit, and dance acts Sigma and Becky Hill.
Meanwhile, the Busted and McFly hybrid supergroup will headline the Sunday evening, playing alongside fellow boybands The Vamps and Union J.
Elsewhere on the Sunday, guests will be treated to performances from 'Hold My Hand' singer Jess Glynne, garage duo Gorgon City and 'R U Crazy?' hitmaker Conor Maynard, who is sure to treat fans to performances of tracks from his upcoming second album.
Up to 50,000 music fans are set to attend the event at Cofton Park, which will also feature a full fairground and food stalls.
Supporting The Prince's Trust, £5 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to the charity to help change the lives of vulnerable young people across the UK.
Tickets to Fusion Festival with Vimto are available online at www.thefusionfestival.co.uk
McBusted, Ella Henderson for Fusion Festival
McBusted and Ella Henderson are among acts confirmed for Fusion Festival with Vimto.
The two day Birmingham-based festival - in support of youth charity The Prince's Trust and in association with Capital FM - will return on August 29 and 30, featuring a pop-filled line-up.
Chart-topping 'Ghost' hitmaker Ella will join drum and bass band Rudimental and 26-year-old producer Labrinth on the Saturday evening, also being joined by Grammy winning group Clean Bandit, and dance acts Sigma and Becky Hill.
Meanwhile, the Busted and McFly hybrid supergroup will headline the Sunday evening, playing alongside fellow boybands The Vamps and Union J.
Elsewhere on the Sunday, guests will be treated to performances from 'Hold My Hand' singer Jess Glynne, garage duo Gorgon City and 'R U Crazy?' hitmaker Conor Maynard, who is sure to treat fans to performances of tracks from his upcoming second album.
Up to 50,000 music fans are set to attend the event at Cofton Park, which will also feature a full fairground and food stalls.
Supporting The Prince's Trust, £5 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to the charity to help change the lives of vulnerable young people across the UK.
Tickets to Fusion Festival with Vimto are available online at www.thefusionfestival.co.uk
Music News
Johnny Marr is writing an autobiography.
The Smiths co-founder has announced he will release the tell-all book in hardback and as an e-book in autumn 2016, having been inspired to write his memoirs following countless requests from his fans.
He revealed: "For the past few years as I've been out on tour promoting my solo work fans and journalists have been asking me when I'll write my book. I'm very happy to say that the time has come to tell my story."
The 51-year-old singer-songwriter - who has been married to wife Angie Marr for 30 years - launched his solo career in 2013 with 'The Messenger', shortly followed by 'Playland' in 2014, and is expected to reveal details about his decision to go solo in the book, as well as information about life in The Smiths and his work with other acts including Sir Paul McCartney, Modest Mouse, The Cribs and The Pretenders.
Fans will also be hoping the 'The Charming Man' rocker will spill the beans on his personal friendships with Oasis rocker Noel Gallagher and Morrissey, with whom he founded The Smiths.
Century Publishing Director, Ben Dunn said: "It's the book Smiths fans have been waiting their whole lives and the early material that Johnny has written is utterly breath-taking. I'm delighted that Johnny has chosen Century to be his publisher."
Johnny Marr writing autobiography
Johnny Marr is writing an autobiography.
The Smiths co-founder has announced he will release the tell-all book in hardback and as an e-book in autumn 2016, having been inspired to write his memoirs following countless requests from his fans.
He revealed: "For the past few years as I've been out on tour promoting my solo work fans and journalists have been asking me when I'll write my book. I'm very happy to say that the time has come to tell my story."
The 51-year-old singer-songwriter - who has been married to wife Angie Marr for 30 years - launched his solo career in 2013 with 'The Messenger', shortly followed by 'Playland' in 2014, and is expected to reveal details about his decision to go solo in the book, as well as information about life in The Smiths and his work with other acts including Sir Paul McCartney, Modest Mouse, The Cribs and The Pretenders.
Fans will also be hoping the 'The Charming Man' rocker will spill the beans on his personal friendships with Oasis rocker Noel Gallagher and Morrissey, with whom he founded The Smiths.
Century Publishing Director, Ben Dunn said: "It's the book Smiths fans have been waiting their whole lives and the early material that Johnny has written is utterly breath-taking. I'm delighted that Johnny has chosen Century to be his publisher."
Music News
Melody Gardot has described her new album as a "leap into the unknown".
The 30-year-old singer-songwriter has announced her fourth studio album 'Currency of Man' will be released on June 1 through Decca, and revealed it has been inspired by marginalized people in Los Angeles.
She explained: "Every album is a journey and this disc in some ways is a leap into the unknown. After spending time in LA, the songs all became about the people I'd meet: people who were experiencing life on the fringe..."
The record will see the star once again pair up with Grammy Award-winning producer Larry Klein, who she worked with on her best-selling second studio record 'My One and Only Thrill', and who has previously worked with stars such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Tracy Chapman.
Despite returning to work with the producer, Melody insisted the LP will have a vastly different sound in comparison to the music they last made together, as they have experimented with different instruments and arrangements to create something "a bit strange".
She added:"We have a slamming horn section and these cinematic and somewhat existential arrangements. It's a body of work where Larry and I discover an electric side of the songs, something I've never done before. It's all an exploration, but it feels good to have something new, and even a bit strange."
Melody Gardot announces new album
Melody Gardot has described her new album as a "leap into the unknown".
The 30-year-old singer-songwriter has announced her fourth studio album 'Currency of Man' will be released on June 1 through Decca, and revealed it has been inspired by marginalized people in Los Angeles.
She explained: "Every album is a journey and this disc in some ways is a leap into the unknown. After spending time in LA, the songs all became about the people I'd meet: people who were experiencing life on the fringe..."
The record will see the star once again pair up with Grammy Award-winning producer Larry Klein, who she worked with on her best-selling second studio record 'My One and Only Thrill', and who has previously worked with stars such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Tracy Chapman.
Despite returning to work with the producer, Melody insisted the LP will have a vastly different sound in comparison to the music they last made together, as they have experimented with different instruments and arrangements to create something "a bit strange".
She added:"We have a slamming horn section and these cinematic and somewhat existential arrangements. It's a body of work where Larry and I discover an electric side of the songs, something I've never done before. It's all an exploration, but it feels good to have something new, and even a bit strange."
Music News
Nadine Coyle's new album will be "similar to the London Grammar sound".
The former Girls Aloud star is working on the follow up to her debut solo LP, 2010's 'Insatiable', and has teased fans can expect it to sound like the 'Wasting My Young Years' singing trio.
She said: "I would describe it as similar to the London Grammar sound. It'll be a little different to what people expect."
The 29-year-old singer - who is dating former American football player Jason Bell - revealed she has made speedy progress on her new music, having already recorded seven songs, with hopes of releasing the collection before the end of the year.
She continued: "I am recording the album as we speak and I'm so, so excited about it. I have about seven songs that I love.
"I would love it to be released sooner rather than later but it will definitely be this year."
The brunette beauty also confessed she is looking to release the album through a "major label", after her first LP performed poorly due to an exclusivity deal with supermarket chain Tesco.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, she said: "I would like to go with a major label this time around but I'm just concentrating on making the album at the moment."
The album update comes just three months after Nadine - who has 13-month-old daughter Anaíya - confessed the album would tell details of her private life, and has made her feel "vulnerable".
She said: "I'm really laying it all out there, which is scary. I'm making myself vulnerable."
Nadine Coyle’s new album to sound like London Grammar
Nadine Coyle's new album will be "similar to the London Grammar sound".
The former Girls Aloud star is working on the follow up to her debut solo LP, 2010's 'Insatiable', and has teased fans can expect it to sound like the 'Wasting My Young Years' singing trio.
She said: "I would describe it as similar to the London Grammar sound. It'll be a little different to what people expect."
The 29-year-old singer - who is dating former American football player Jason Bell - revealed she has made speedy progress on her new music, having already recorded seven songs, with hopes of releasing the collection before the end of the year.
She continued: "I am recording the album as we speak and I'm so, so excited about it. I have about seven songs that I love.
"I would love it to be released sooner rather than later but it will definitely be this year."
The brunette beauty also confessed she is looking to release the album through a "major label", after her first LP performed poorly due to an exclusivity deal with supermarket chain Tesco.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, she said: "I would like to go with a major label this time around but I'm just concentrating on making the album at the moment."
The album update comes just three months after Nadine - who has 13-month-old daughter Anaíya - confessed the album would tell details of her private life, and has made her feel "vulnerable".
She said: "I'm really laying it all out there, which is scary. I'm making myself vulnerable."
Music News
Charli XCX and Jaden and Willow Smith are among acts added to the New Look Wireless Festival line-up.
The 'Boom Clap' hitmaker will be joining the sibling duo at the three-day festival in London's Finsbury Park in July, performing alongside previously announced headliners Drake, Avicii, Kendrick Lamar, David Guetta and Nicki Minaj.
A "special performance" from the children of actor Will Smith has been teased by festival organisers, following 14-year-old Willow's breakout 2010 single 'Whip My Hair' and her older brother Jaden's featuring slot on Justin Bieber's hit 'Never Say Never' in the same year.
Clean Bandit collaborator Jess Glynne and 'I Need' singer Maverick Sabre will also perform at the popular event from July 3 - 5, as well as Lethal Bizzle, Travi$ Scott, MNEK and Sinead Harnett.
Other rising stars set to appear at the festival - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary - include Klingande, DJ Mustard, 3Lau, Shakka, Ows, Bad Rabbits, Tove Styrke, Jacob Plant, Ady Suleiman, Nick Brewer, Damage, Tori Kelly, Jermain Jackman and Etta Bond.
The latest update follows the announcement in February that rapper A$AP Rocky would be performing at the central London celebration, along with Belgian singer-songwriter Stromae, rising star PARTYNEXTDOOR, drum and bass producer Netsky and 21-year-old '2 On' hitmaker Tinashe.
Further stars scheduled to appear include Jessie J, Labrinth, Major Lazer, Mary J Blige, Nero, Childish Gambino and 'Rather Be' hitmakers Clean Bandit.
Jaden and Willow Smith for Wireless Festival
Charli XCX and Jaden and Willow Smith are among acts added to the New Look Wireless Festival line-up.
The 'Boom Clap' hitmaker will be joining the sibling duo at the three-day festival in London's Finsbury Park in July, performing alongside previously announced headliners Drake, Avicii, Kendrick Lamar, David Guetta and Nicki Minaj.
A "special performance" from the children of actor Will Smith has been teased by festival organisers, following 14-year-old Willow's breakout 2010 single 'Whip My Hair' and her older brother Jaden's featuring slot on Justin Bieber's hit 'Never Say Never' in the same year.
Clean Bandit collaborator Jess Glynne and 'I Need' singer Maverick Sabre will also perform at the popular event from July 3 - 5, as well as Lethal Bizzle, Travi$ Scott, MNEK and Sinead Harnett.
Other rising stars set to appear at the festival - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary - include Klingande, DJ Mustard, 3Lau, Shakka, Ows, Bad Rabbits, Tove Styrke, Jacob Plant, Ady Suleiman, Nick Brewer, Damage, Tori Kelly, Jermain Jackman and Etta Bond.
The latest update follows the announcement in February that rapper A$AP Rocky would be performing at the central London celebration, along with Belgian singer-songwriter Stromae, rising star PARTYNEXTDOOR, drum and bass producer Netsky and 21-year-old '2 On' hitmaker Tinashe.
Further stars scheduled to appear include Jessie J, Labrinth, Major Lazer, Mary J Blige, Nero, Childish Gambino and 'Rather Be' hitmakers Clean Bandit.