Music News
Music News
Sir Paul McCartney thinks it was "easier" to make music in the past.
The Beatles star has been in the music industry since 1957 and has seen changes in technology affect how he produces his hit tracks, encouraging him to brand modern music production "luxurious".
He said: "The process of making the music, I do [go] on sometimes to young bands, younger people I'm working with, and say it was kind of easier [before].
"Everyone who made records used this routine. 10.30, be ready to go. 1.30, we expect you to have finished two songs, mixed, taped, done. You go home at the end of the day and you would have accomplished four songs. And I look back at them now, and it's 'Michelle', it's 'Nowhere Man', it's 'Yesterday'. It's songs that have lasted.
"I really advise kids now: 'You have to write the song before you go in.' Sounds obvious but people don't do this so much these days. They go in and say, 'That was a good bit. Get that on the ProTools'.
"It's just a new way of working, which is much more luxurious, but I don't think it's productive."
Sir Paul McCartney - whose recent collaborators include Kanye West and Rihanna - also admits that he is less bothered by the way music is delivered but disagrees with streaming because it means the songwriter is paid much smaller amounts.
He said: "The actual technology of how you deliver music doesn't matter to me because we've been through vinyl, tapes, cassettes, CDs, downloads, streaming."
When asked why he removed some of his music from the streaming sites like Spotify in the past, he added to BBC News' Click: "I feel sorry for the young composer whose written what may be his only hit, and it's huge and he doesn't get paid for it. I don't think that's right."
Sir Paul McCartney: Making music was easier in the past
Sir Paul McCartney thinks it was "easier" to make music in the past.
The Beatles star has been in the music industry since 1957 and has seen changes in technology affect how he produces his hit tracks, encouraging him to brand modern music production "luxurious".
He said: "The process of making the music, I do [go] on sometimes to young bands, younger people I'm working with, and say it was kind of easier [before].
"Everyone who made records used this routine. 10.30, be ready to go. 1.30, we expect you to have finished two songs, mixed, taped, done. You go home at the end of the day and you would have accomplished four songs. And I look back at them now, and it's 'Michelle', it's 'Nowhere Man', it's 'Yesterday'. It's songs that have lasted.
"I really advise kids now: 'You have to write the song before you go in.' Sounds obvious but people don't do this so much these days. They go in and say, 'That was a good bit. Get that on the ProTools'.
"It's just a new way of working, which is much more luxurious, but I don't think it's productive."
Sir Paul McCartney - whose recent collaborators include Kanye West and Rihanna - also admits that he is less bothered by the way music is delivered but disagrees with streaming because it means the songwriter is paid much smaller amounts.
He said: "The actual technology of how you deliver music doesn't matter to me because we've been through vinyl, tapes, cassettes, CDs, downloads, streaming."
When asked why he removed some of his music from the streaming sites like Spotify in the past, he added to BBC News' Click: "I feel sorry for the young composer whose written what may be his only hit, and it's huge and he doesn't get paid for it. I don't think that's right."
Music News
Amy Winehouse is still earning millions after her death.
The late star's company, Cherry Westfield Ltd, recorded a profit of £1.4million for the year ending April 2014, according to figures obtained by The Sun newspaper.
The 'Back to Black' hitmaker's company recorded just £257,000 profit in November 2011, just a few months after she died from alcohol poisoning in July 2011.
Villeston Ltd - which was set up by Amy's parents, Mitchell and Janis - has recorded a profit of £1.48million whilst AW Promotions recorded £23,000 profit.
The record company she founded in 2009, Lioness Records, displayed a loss of £210,000.
Meanwhile, her collaborator and friend, Mark Ronson, recently praised the late singer, saying nobody's talents would ever compare to hers.
He said: "No one's ever going to compare to Amy because of the talent she had and the unique bond we had, that rapport, that energy in the studio.
"For all the stuff that I did on 'Back to Black', I think we only ever spent five or six days together in the studio. Maybe 10. 'Valerie' was done in two hours. Her thing was so effortless in a way, because ... well, because she would just ... it was just what came out - that's it. 'That's it, I'm not changing anything, that's what came out of me and it's good enough.' And every time it was obviously good enough, and special. It was just ... a thing."
Amy Winehouse earning £2.4m after death
Amy Winehouse is still earning millions after her death.
The late star's company, Cherry Westfield Ltd, recorded a profit of £1.4million for the year ending April 2014, according to figures obtained by The Sun newspaper.
The 'Back to Black' hitmaker's company recorded just £257,000 profit in November 2011, just a few months after she died from alcohol poisoning in July 2011.
Villeston Ltd - which was set up by Amy's parents, Mitchell and Janis - has recorded a profit of £1.48million whilst AW Promotions recorded £23,000 profit.
The record company she founded in 2009, Lioness Records, displayed a loss of £210,000.
Meanwhile, her collaborator and friend, Mark Ronson, recently praised the late singer, saying nobody's talents would ever compare to hers.
He said: "No one's ever going to compare to Amy because of the talent she had and the unique bond we had, that rapport, that energy in the studio.
"For all the stuff that I did on 'Back to Black', I think we only ever spent five or six days together in the studio. Maybe 10. 'Valerie' was done in two hours. Her thing was so effortless in a way, because ... well, because she would just ... it was just what came out - that's it. 'That's it, I'm not changing anything, that's what came out of me and it's good enough.' And every time it was obviously good enough, and special. It was just ... a thing."
Music News
Kasabian thinks it will be "a victory for the squares" if Ed Sheeran wins a BRIT Award.
The 'Days Are Forgotten' hitmakers - who have not been nominated for a BRIT Award themselves at this year's ceremony - want more "danger" and "fantasy' in the music industry.
The band's guitarist Serge Pizzorno said: "It's a good time for squares. We're going through a period where the squares are in charge. There's no surrealists, there's no fantasy in music.
"The squares are having their day. But I can forsee it coming to an end. There's only so long people will take it before they get bored. There's no danger any more. People aren't offering anything exciting. The squares are winning."
In fact, the 34-year-old musician is glad his band has been snubbed for the Best British Group award because he wouldn't want them to be in the category alongside pop artists.
He told The Sun newspaper: "I don't want us to be put in the same Best British Group category as Clean Bandit and One Direction.
"There's way more politics behind this than people realise.
"There's some strange names in there. I hope some of those people enjoy their night because it's the only time they'll be there."
The BRIT Awards 2015 with MasterCard take place on February 25 at London's O2 Arena.
Artists including Madonna, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran will perform at the event.
Kasabian blasts ‘square’ Ed Sheeran
Kasabian thinks it will be "a victory for the squares" if Ed Sheeran wins a BRIT Award.
The 'Days Are Forgotten' hitmakers - who have not been nominated for a BRIT Award themselves at this year's ceremony - want more "danger" and "fantasy' in the music industry.
The band's guitarist Serge Pizzorno said: "It's a good time for squares. We're going through a period where the squares are in charge. There's no surrealists, there's no fantasy in music.
"The squares are having their day. But I can forsee it coming to an end. There's only so long people will take it before they get bored. There's no danger any more. People aren't offering anything exciting. The squares are winning."
In fact, the 34-year-old musician is glad his band has been snubbed for the Best British Group award because he wouldn't want them to be in the category alongside pop artists.
He told The Sun newspaper: "I don't want us to be put in the same Best British Group category as Clean Bandit and One Direction.
"There's way more politics behind this than people realise.
"There's some strange names in there. I hope some of those people enjoy their night because it's the only time they'll be there."
The BRIT Awards 2015 with MasterCard take place on February 25 at London's O2 Arena.
Artists including Madonna, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran will perform at the event.
Music News
Adele is in talks to headline Glastonbury.
The 26-year-old singer - who has previously insisted she "will not do festivals" - has been wanted by festival organisers Michael and Emily Eavis for years to top the bill at the music spectacle this summer, and the pair are reported to be closer than they've been before to signing her up.
A Glastonbury source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Most of the acts have been booked for Glasto but Michael and daughter Emily Eavis are still trying to get Adele for Saturday night.
"She has been on their wishlist for a few years now. Negotiations are ongoing but this is the closest they have got to signing her.
"Several bands that have been booked for Saturday have been told they could be performing before her. It's created quite a buzz."
Emily has previously publicly revealed her desire to sign Adele for the event in Somerset, south west England - which this year takes place from June 24-28 - and while the singer hasn't played a full gig since September 2011, before giving birth to her son Angelo in October 2012, the organisers are "determined" for her to headline this year.
The source added: "Emily and Michael know what a big deal this would be and they are determined to make it happen."
A festival spokesman said: "We look forward to announcing the line-up in the late spring."
Michael previously revealed the three headliners will be announced on April 1 and despite admitting one has "been around for a long time", he ruled out the possibility of Queen or Fleetwood Mac taking to the famous Pyramid Stage.
Another act who also looks unlikely to play Glastonbury is Taylor Swift as her good friend Ed Sheeran recently insisted she is not a big fan of festivals.
He said: "Taylor doesn't like festivals.
"So for any bookies reading ... I think Taylor likes doing her own show because she's in control and it's how she wants it to be."
Adele in Glastonbury talks
Adele is in talks to headline Glastonbury.
The 26-year-old singer - who has previously insisted she "will not do festivals" - has been wanted by festival organisers Michael and Emily Eavis for years to top the bill at the music spectacle this summer, and the pair are reported to be closer than they've been before to signing her up.
A Glastonbury source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Most of the acts have been booked for Glasto but Michael and daughter Emily Eavis are still trying to get Adele for Saturday night.
"She has been on their wishlist for a few years now. Negotiations are ongoing but this is the closest they have got to signing her.
"Several bands that have been booked for Saturday have been told they could be performing before her. It's created quite a buzz."
Emily has previously publicly revealed her desire to sign Adele for the event in Somerset, south west England - which this year takes place from June 24-28 - and while the singer hasn't played a full gig since September 2011, before giving birth to her son Angelo in October 2012, the organisers are "determined" for her to headline this year.
The source added: "Emily and Michael know what a big deal this would be and they are determined to make it happen."
A festival spokesman said: "We look forward to announcing the line-up in the late spring."
Michael previously revealed the three headliners will be announced on April 1 and despite admitting one has "been around for a long time", he ruled out the possibility of Queen or Fleetwood Mac taking to the famous Pyramid Stage.
Another act who also looks unlikely to play Glastonbury is Taylor Swift as her good friend Ed Sheeran recently insisted she is not a big fan of festivals.
He said: "Taylor doesn't like festivals.
"So for any bookies reading ... I think Taylor likes doing her own show because she's in control and it's how she wants it to be."
Music News
Van Morrison will collaborate with Michael Buble and Joss Stone on his new album.
The 69-year-old singer will release 'Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue' in the UK on March 16, which will feature 16 tracks with high profile acts including Simply Red's Mick Hucknall and singer-songwriter Bobby Womack, who passed away last June at the age of 70.
The album - which is the musician's 35th studio record - will feature new versions of lesser-known tracks which he has sung during his extensive career, which have all been re-recorded in London and Belfast in the past year.
Produced by Van along with Don Was and Bob Rock, the LP - which comes three years after 2012's 'Born to Sing: No Plan B' - will also feature the singer's daughter Shana Morrison, as well as Mark Knopfler, George Benson, Gregory Porter and Natalie Cole.
The first single to be taken from the record will be a new version of 1990 single 'Real Real Gone' featuring Michael Buble, which will be proceeded by 'Some Peace of Mind' with Bobby Womack which is scheduled to be released on March 3.
The full tracklisting for the album is below:
'Some Peace of Mind' with Bobby Womack
'Lord, If I Ever Needed Someone' with Mavis Staples
'Higher Than the World' with George Benson
'Wild Honey' with Joss Stone
'Whatever Happened to PJ Proby' with PJ Proby
'Carrying a Torch' with Clare Teal
'The Eternal Kansas City' with Gregory Porter
'Streets of Arklow' with Mick Hucknall
'These Are the Days' with Natalie Cole
'Get on with the Snow' with Georgie Fame
'Rough God Goes Riding' with Shana Morrison
'Fire in the Belly' with Steve Winwood
'Born to Sing' with Chris Farlowe
'Irish Heartbeat' with Mark Knopfler
'Real Real Gone' with Michael Bublé
'How Can a Poor Boy' with Taj Mahal
Van Morrison enlists Michael Buble for new LP
Van Morrison will collaborate with Michael Buble and Joss Stone on his new album.
The 69-year-old singer will release 'Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue' in the UK on March 16, which will feature 16 tracks with high profile acts including Simply Red's Mick Hucknall and singer-songwriter Bobby Womack, who passed away last June at the age of 70.
The album - which is the musician's 35th studio record - will feature new versions of lesser-known tracks which he has sung during his extensive career, which have all been re-recorded in London and Belfast in the past year.
Produced by Van along with Don Was and Bob Rock, the LP - which comes three years after 2012's 'Born to Sing: No Plan B' - will also feature the singer's daughter Shana Morrison, as well as Mark Knopfler, George Benson, Gregory Porter and Natalie Cole.
The first single to be taken from the record will be a new version of 1990 single 'Real Real Gone' featuring Michael Buble, which will be proceeded by 'Some Peace of Mind' with Bobby Womack which is scheduled to be released on March 3.
The full tracklisting for the album is below:
'Some Peace of Mind' with Bobby Womack
'Lord, If I Ever Needed Someone' with Mavis Staples
'Higher Than the World' with George Benson
'Wild Honey' with Joss Stone
'Whatever Happened to PJ Proby' with PJ Proby
'Carrying a Torch' with Clare Teal
'The Eternal Kansas City' with Gregory Porter
'Streets of Arklow' with Mick Hucknall
'These Are the Days' with Natalie Cole
'Get on with the Snow' with Georgie Fame
'Rough God Goes Riding' with Shana Morrison
'Fire in the Belly' with Steve Winwood
'Born to Sing' with Chris Farlowe
'Irish Heartbeat' with Mark Knopfler
'Real Real Gone' with Michael Bublé
'How Can a Poor Boy' with Taj Mahal
Music News
The Libertines will headline Ibiza Rocks.
The 'Can't Stand Me Now' hitmakers will perform on the poolside Rocks stage for the series' 10th birthday party, as part of the 14-week event, which will also host performances from Fatboy Slim and Grammy Award winners Clean Bandit.
The Libertines' Carl Barat said: "Ibiza Rocks is one of the greatest gigs there is. The strange and debauched energy of the place never fails to provide the perfect backdrop for bacchanalian reverie of the highest order. Everyone there is gonna be 'mad for it', I can't wait. One of those nights actually worth the b*****d hangover. Bring it."
The band - which also features Pete Doherty, John Hassall and Gary Powell - will make their debut performance at the event on July 22, with Pete and Carl having previously performed separately with Babyshambles in 2005 and Dirty Pretty Things in 2006, which inspired subsequent editions of the Rocks series.
Founder and CEO of the Ibiza Rocks Group, Andy McKay, explained: "The ultimate defining moment of Rocks was when we discovered that our future lay outdoors and that was the night Babyshambles played Bar M. It was the moment we found our time slot before midnight and the moment we discovered the energy created by a live band playing under the stars in Ibiza."
As well as the recently reformed rockers - who are currently working on their third album - BBC Sound of 2015 poll winners Years & Years, drum and bass duo Sigma, and Mercury Prize nominees Jungle will also perform along with Shura and The Courteeners.
For those who cannot make the event, MTV have also revealed they will be broadcasting from the event for the third year running, providing exclusive artist interviews, live performances and highlights from the series of shows, with the content hosted by Laura Whitmore.
The Ibiza Rocks 2015 line up so far:
17/06 - Opening party with Years & Years
24/06 - Sigma (Live)
01/07 - Jungle and Shura
22/07 - 10th birthday party with The Libertines
05/08 - Clean Bandit
02/09 - Fatboy Slim
16/09 - Closing party with The Courteeners
The Libertines to headline Ibiza Rocks
The Libertines will headline Ibiza Rocks.
The 'Can't Stand Me Now' hitmakers will perform on the poolside Rocks stage for the series' 10th birthday party, as part of the 14-week event, which will also host performances from Fatboy Slim and Grammy Award winners Clean Bandit.
The Libertines' Carl Barat said: "Ibiza Rocks is one of the greatest gigs there is. The strange and debauched energy of the place never fails to provide the perfect backdrop for bacchanalian reverie of the highest order. Everyone there is gonna be 'mad for it', I can't wait. One of those nights actually worth the b*****d hangover. Bring it."
The band - which also features Pete Doherty, John Hassall and Gary Powell - will make their debut performance at the event on July 22, with Pete and Carl having previously performed separately with Babyshambles in 2005 and Dirty Pretty Things in 2006, which inspired subsequent editions of the Rocks series.
Founder and CEO of the Ibiza Rocks Group, Andy McKay, explained: "The ultimate defining moment of Rocks was when we discovered that our future lay outdoors and that was the night Babyshambles played Bar M. It was the moment we found our time slot before midnight and the moment we discovered the energy created by a live band playing under the stars in Ibiza."
As well as the recently reformed rockers - who are currently working on their third album - BBC Sound of 2015 poll winners Years & Years, drum and bass duo Sigma, and Mercury Prize nominees Jungle will also perform along with Shura and The Courteeners.
For those who cannot make the event, MTV have also revealed they will be broadcasting from the event for the third year running, providing exclusive artist interviews, live performances and highlights from the series of shows, with the content hosted by Laura Whitmore.
The Ibiza Rocks 2015 line up so far:
17/06 - Opening party with Years & Years
24/06 - Sigma (Live)
01/07 - Jungle and Shura
22/07 - 10th birthday party with The Libertines
05/08 - Clean Bandit
02/09 - Fatboy Slim
16/09 - Closing party with The Courteeners
Music News
Jimmy Page will receive NME's Rock'n'Roll Soul Award.
The 71-year-old Led Zeppelin rocker will be presented with the one-off prize at the NME Awards 2015 with Austin, Texas on Wednesday (18.02.15), which will take place at Brixton's O2 Academy in London.
The magazine's editor Mike Williams said: "This special, one-off award has been created to reflect one of the most important and iconic figures to have ever picked up an instrument. There is nobody in popular culture quite like Jimmy Page, and we are honoured to be giving him the Rock'n'Roll Soul Award at this year's ceremony."
The accolade will be presented alongside 22 other publicly voted awards at the ceremony, with Kasabian leading the nominations with eight, while Royal Blood and Jamie T each have seven.
During the evening - which will be hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens - guests will also be treated to performances from Charli XCX and Royal Blood, while Suede will pick up the Godlike Genius Award.
The annual ceremony runs in conjunction with the NME Awards Tour, which will see Palma Violets, Fat White Family, The Amazing Snakeheads and Slaves head out on tour around the UK.
Public tickets for the NME Awards 2015 and the NME Awards Tour with Austin, Texas are still available to buy at NME.com/tickets.
Jimmy Page to receive one-off NME Award
Jimmy Page will receive NME's Rock'n'Roll Soul Award.
The 71-year-old Led Zeppelin rocker will be presented with the one-off prize at the NME Awards 2015 with Austin, Texas on Wednesday (18.02.15), which will take place at Brixton's O2 Academy in London.
The magazine's editor Mike Williams said: "This special, one-off award has been created to reflect one of the most important and iconic figures to have ever picked up an instrument. There is nobody in popular culture quite like Jimmy Page, and we are honoured to be giving him the Rock'n'Roll Soul Award at this year's ceremony."
The accolade will be presented alongside 22 other publicly voted awards at the ceremony, with Kasabian leading the nominations with eight, while Royal Blood and Jamie T each have seven.
During the evening - which will be hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens - guests will also be treated to performances from Charli XCX and Royal Blood, while Suede will pick up the Godlike Genius Award.
The annual ceremony runs in conjunction with the NME Awards Tour, which will see Palma Violets, Fat White Family, The Amazing Snakeheads and Slaves head out on tour around the UK.
Public tickets for the NME Awards 2015 and the NME Awards Tour with Austin, Texas are still available to buy at NME.com/tickets.
Music News
Pharrell Williams is to release four children's books.
The 'Gust of Wind' singer has inked a deal with Putnam Books for Young Readers which will see the 41-year-old musician pen four picture books, with the first title being based on his chart-topping 2013 single, 'Happy'.
Announcing the deal, the publishing house revealed an initial run of 250,000 copies of 'Happy' will be made available from September 22 and will feature numerous photographs of children around the world "celebrating what it means to be happy."
The music mogul - who released his second solo studio album 'G I R L' last year - originally wrote the song for the soundtrack of 'Despicable Me 2', and has won two Grammy Awards for the track.
The acclaimed musician - who has six-year-old son Rocket with his wife Helen Lasichanh - has had other forays out of the music industry in the past, having designed a series of clothing lines and founded multi-media creative collective and record label i am OTHER.
In June, the 'Blurred Lines' producer became involved in the literary world when he contributed to a book titled 'We Are Friends With You' which also featured contributions between Alejandro Jodorowsky and Peter Doroshenko.
Pharrell to release children’s books
Pharrell Williams is to release four children's books.
The 'Gust of Wind' singer has inked a deal with Putnam Books for Young Readers which will see the 41-year-old musician pen four picture books, with the first title being based on his chart-topping 2013 single, 'Happy'.
Announcing the deal, the publishing house revealed an initial run of 250,000 copies of 'Happy' will be made available from September 22 and will feature numerous photographs of children around the world "celebrating what it means to be happy."
The music mogul - who released his second solo studio album 'G I R L' last year - originally wrote the song for the soundtrack of 'Despicable Me 2', and has won two Grammy Awards for the track.
The acclaimed musician - who has six-year-old son Rocket with his wife Helen Lasichanh - has had other forays out of the music industry in the past, having designed a series of clothing lines and founded multi-media creative collective and record label i am OTHER.
In June, the 'Blurred Lines' producer became involved in the literary world when he contributed to a book titled 'We Are Friends With You' which also featured contributions between Alejandro Jodorowsky and Peter Doroshenko.
Music News
Little Mix are passionate about "girl power".
The 'Salute' hitmakers have spoken out about the lack of equality in the film and music industries claiming there's no reason why women should be paid less than men.
Perrie Edwards said: "I just don't understand it. Why should we be paid less because we have boobs and a vajayjay?"
The girl group - who shot to fame after winning 'The X Factor' in 2011 - went on to admit they're following in the footsteps of the Spice Girls by promoting girl power.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock added: "Girl power is what we're about. It's what we stand for as a group."
Meanwhile, Jesy Nelson has revealed she, Leigh-Anne, Perrie and Jade Thirlwall are proud of the message they're putting out with their music as they've had mothers thank them for helping their daughters beat bullying.
Speaking in the Wonderland Magazine Spring Fashion issue - for which the band were shot by Bella Howard - Jesy said: "They say that since listening to Little Mix their daughters have been happier and more confident.
"If a girl is bullied, or heartbroken, or feeling like utter s**t, if our music can make them feel better, we're doing our jobs."
Little Mix: ‘Girl power is what we’re about’
Little Mix are passionate about "girl power".
The 'Salute' hitmakers have spoken out about the lack of equality in the film and music industries claiming there's no reason why women should be paid less than men.
Perrie Edwards said: "I just don't understand it. Why should we be paid less because we have boobs and a vajayjay?"
The girl group - who shot to fame after winning 'The X Factor' in 2011 - went on to admit they're following in the footsteps of the Spice Girls by promoting girl power.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock added: "Girl power is what we're about. It's what we stand for as a group."
Meanwhile, Jesy Nelson has revealed she, Leigh-Anne, Perrie and Jade Thirlwall are proud of the message they're putting out with their music as they've had mothers thank them for helping their daughters beat bullying.
Speaking in the Wonderland Magazine Spring Fashion issue - for which the band were shot by Bella Howard - Jesy said: "They say that since listening to Little Mix their daughters have been happier and more confident.
"If a girl is bullied, or heartbroken, or feeling like utter s**t, if our music can make them feel better, we're doing our jobs."