Music News
Music News
Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke have been ordered to pay Marvin Gaye's family $7.3 million for copyright infringement.
A jury in Los Angeles ruled today (10.03.15) that the 41-year-old producer and the 38-year-old singer's 2013 hit 'Blurred Lines' plagiarised the late Motown legend's 1977 hit 'Got To Give It Up'.
But rapper T.I. - who also performs on the song - was deemed not to be responsible for the infringement, according to Variety.com.
Marvin's children, Frankie and Nona, filed a lawsuit against the trio after the song was released, claiming it sounded very similar to their father's track.
During the week-long trial, Pharrell insisted their hit was inspired by Miley Cyrus, saying: "I had Earl Sweatshirt in one room and Miley Cyrus in the other. I was doing a bunch of country-sounding music with Miley.
"It was like blending this country sound with this up-tempo groove."
The 'Happy' hitmaker, who co-wrote the song in mid-2012, also insisted the Marvin Gaye single did not enter his mind during the songwriting process.
He added: "I must have been channelling that feeling, that late '70s feeling. Sometimes when you look back on your past work, you see echoes of people. But that doesn't mean that's what you were doing.
"[Marvin Gaye] is one of the ones we look up to so much. This is the last place I want to be right now. The last thing you want to do as a creator is take something of someone else's when you love him."
The Gaye family hired a musicologist to analyse 'Blurred Lines' after they instantly recognised the striking similarities and were originally seeking $25 million in damages.
Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke ordered to pay $7.3 million
Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke have been ordered to pay Marvin Gaye's family $7.3 million for copyright infringement.
A jury in Los Angeles ruled today (10.03.15) that the 41-year-old producer and the 38-year-old singer's 2013 hit 'Blurred Lines' plagiarised the late Motown legend's 1977 hit 'Got To Give It Up'.
But rapper T.I. - who also performs on the song - was deemed not to be responsible for the infringement, according to Variety.com.
Marvin's children, Frankie and Nona, filed a lawsuit against the trio after the song was released, claiming it sounded very similar to their father's track.
During the week-long trial, Pharrell insisted their hit was inspired by Miley Cyrus, saying: "I had Earl Sweatshirt in one room and Miley Cyrus in the other. I was doing a bunch of country-sounding music with Miley.
"It was like blending this country sound with this up-tempo groove."
The 'Happy' hitmaker, who co-wrote the song in mid-2012, also insisted the Marvin Gaye single did not enter his mind during the songwriting process.
He added: "I must have been channelling that feeling, that late '70s feeling. Sometimes when you look back on your past work, you see echoes of people. But that doesn't mean that's what you were doing.
"[Marvin Gaye] is one of the ones we look up to so much. This is the last place I want to be right now. The last thing you want to do as a creator is take something of someone else's when you love him."
The Gaye family hired a musicologist to analyse 'Blurred Lines' after they instantly recognised the striking similarities and were originally seeking $25 million in damages.
Music News
Mark Knopfler wore a head band on stage so he wasn't blinded by sweat.
The Dire Straits frontman became renowned for his headgear during his career with the band, and revealed it became clear it was vital during their early shows when he couldn't see because he was perspiring so much.
He recalled: "I used to sweat so much on stage in those days, it came off me in sheets. That's how the headband started. I literally couldn't see - the sweat would sting my eyes and I used to not be able to see my chords through my tears."
As a result of his profuse sweating, one gig-goer called for the rocker to mop up his moisture, which is when he decided he would have to wear the loop of fabric around his forehead while on stage.
He continued: "I remember one night at the Marquee [London music venue], there were sheets of sweat going out into the crowd, and this little fella stuck a note up, and I read it. It said, 'More liquid gumption, please.'"
The 65-year-old musician - who will release his ninth studio album on March 16 - added it was the group's difficult formative years which helped him to have such a successful career, as it made him realise what he wanted to achieve.
He explained to The Sunday Times newspaper: "I used to hitchhike then, climbing up into lorry cabs with bags and guitars. There was snow everywhere, and I got put off in the middle of the country somewhere - in the Midlands, I think - on a slip road off the motorway. I'm standing up there, and there;s nobody. I can see 360 degrees for miles all around, and there's nothing moving, just the sun shining down on all this snow. And I remember getting a very clear idea of what I'd decided I was going to do with my life."
Mark Knopfler reveals sweat issue as youngster
Mark Knopfler wore a head band on stage so he wasn't blinded by sweat.
The Dire Straits frontman became renowned for his headgear during his career with the band, and revealed it became clear it was vital during their early shows when he couldn't see because he was perspiring so much.
He recalled: "I used to sweat so much on stage in those days, it came off me in sheets. That's how the headband started. I literally couldn't see - the sweat would sting my eyes and I used to not be able to see my chords through my tears."
As a result of his profuse sweating, one gig-goer called for the rocker to mop up his moisture, which is when he decided he would have to wear the loop of fabric around his forehead while on stage.
He continued: "I remember one night at the Marquee [London music venue], there were sheets of sweat going out into the crowd, and this little fella stuck a note up, and I read it. It said, 'More liquid gumption, please.'"
The 65-year-old musician - who will release his ninth studio album on March 16 - added it was the group's difficult formative years which helped him to have such a successful career, as it made him realise what he wanted to achieve.
He explained to The Sunday Times newspaper: "I used to hitchhike then, climbing up into lorry cabs with bags and guitars. There was snow everywhere, and I got put off in the middle of the country somewhere - in the Midlands, I think - on a slip road off the motorway. I'm standing up there, and there;s nobody. I can see 360 degrees for miles all around, and there's nothing moving, just the sun shining down on all this snow. And I remember getting a very clear idea of what I'd decided I was going to do with my life."
Music News
Meghan Trainor would never date a friend's ex-boyfriend without their permission.
The 'All About That Bass' hitmaker claims that if she ever found herself attracted to one of her pal's former flames, she would definitely ask them if they were ok with dating him before making her move.
Quizzed on whether she'd flirt with her best pal's ex, she said: "First of all, I would ask her if she was OK with it, and if she wasn't OK with it then I'd say move along!"
The 21-year-old star admits she's too shy when it comes to approaching men and would rather wait around for them to ask her out.
Explaining that she thinks it's fine for a girl to ask a boy out if they're too shy, she told Top of the Pops magazine: "But when this actually happened to me, I was so shy, I waited until he said something."
Meghan also claimed that if she was really nervous on a first date she would attempt to "break the ice" by confessing she had butterflies in her stomach.
Asked if she's good at faking confidence, she added: "I would just be totally honest and say, 'I'm nervous and I don't know what to say!' And hope that breaks the ice!"
Meghan Trainor’s love rules
Meghan Trainor would never date a friend's ex-boyfriend without their permission.
The 'All About That Bass' hitmaker claims that if she ever found herself attracted to one of her pal's former flames, she would definitely ask them if they were ok with dating him before making her move.
Quizzed on whether she'd flirt with her best pal's ex, she said: "First of all, I would ask her if she was OK with it, and if she wasn't OK with it then I'd say move along!"
The 21-year-old star admits she's too shy when it comes to approaching men and would rather wait around for them to ask her out.
Explaining that she thinks it's fine for a girl to ask a boy out if they're too shy, she told Top of the Pops magazine: "But when this actually happened to me, I was so shy, I waited until he said something."
Meghan also claimed that if she was really nervous on a first date she would attempt to "break the ice" by confessing she had butterflies in her stomach.
Asked if she's good at faking confidence, she added: "I would just be totally honest and say, 'I'm nervous and I don't know what to say!' And hope that breaks the ice!"
Music News
Sophie Ellis-Bextor thinks her next album will sound "like tequila".
The 'Murder on the Dancefloor' hitmaker recently started work on her sixth solo studio album and believes although it is in its early stages, the finished product will sound like the spirit because her songwriting has been inspired by South America where the liquor is popular.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I've been working on the album with Ed Harcourt who I worked on 'Wanderlust' with, and I think it's going to be quite different again.
"I've just got back from a trip to Mexico and Ed has been in Cuba recently so I think the record will sound quite South American. 'Wanderlust' was inspired by Eastern Europe, so if it were spirits, that was vodka, and this will be an album sounding like tequila."
However, the 35-year-old singer admitted fans may be disappointed if they expect new music soon, as she is planning on spending the rest of the year building up material for the collection.
She explained: "We've written about four songs so far, so it's still early days. With 'Wanderlust' it was very concise, and the songs we wrote were the ones on the album, but with this one I want to take my time a bit more and make it a bit more expansive. I want to be able to spend the rest of the year on this album and write lots more songs to make sure it's really good."
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is spearheading the latest campaign from Wrigley, 'The Chew O'clock Challenge', promoting the oral care benefits of chewing sugar-free gum, and encouraging parents to get their family chewing gum at 4pm after post-school snacks, when teeth are at risk from lingering foods.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s new album to sound ‘like tequila’
Sophie Ellis-Bextor thinks her next album will sound "like tequila".
The 'Murder on the Dancefloor' hitmaker recently started work on her sixth solo studio album and believes although it is in its early stages, the finished product will sound like the spirit because her songwriting has been inspired by South America where the liquor is popular.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I've been working on the album with Ed Harcourt who I worked on 'Wanderlust' with, and I think it's going to be quite different again.
"I've just got back from a trip to Mexico and Ed has been in Cuba recently so I think the record will sound quite South American. 'Wanderlust' was inspired by Eastern Europe, so if it were spirits, that was vodka, and this will be an album sounding like tequila."
However, the 35-year-old singer admitted fans may be disappointed if they expect new music soon, as she is planning on spending the rest of the year building up material for the collection.
She explained: "We've written about four songs so far, so it's still early days. With 'Wanderlust' it was very concise, and the songs we wrote were the ones on the album, but with this one I want to take my time a bit more and make it a bit more expansive. I want to be able to spend the rest of the year on this album and write lots more songs to make sure it's really good."
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is spearheading the latest campaign from Wrigley, 'The Chew O'clock Challenge', promoting the oral care benefits of chewing sugar-free gum, and encouraging parents to get their family chewing gum at 4pm after post-school snacks, when teeth are at risk from lingering foods.
Music News
Noel Gallagher once had to hide from Courtney Love.
The 'Ballad of the Mighty I' hitmaker admits he sneaked out of a recording studio when he heard she was in the building because he thinks the Hole singer is too "rowdy" for him.
He said: "I read an interview with her once where she said, 'I can't f***ing believe this, I know everyone in London but I haven't met Noel, is he hiding from me?' And the answer is - yes.
"I was in a recording studio in LA and we were in the back recording 'Don't Believe The Truth'.
"And reception called up and said, 'Just to warn you, Courtney Love just came in'.
"I could hear her shouting, 'Where's Noel? I gotta meet Noel.' So I grabbed a cig, exited out of the back door and went back to the motel and locked the door."
"I was like, 'I can't be dealing with her rowdiness, f***ing hell, no way.'
But I applaud her."
Noel didn't feel too bad about making a quick getaway because he thought she would get on well with his brother and former Oasis bandmate Liam Gallagher.
He added to NME magazine: "I knew Liam was running around in reception and I thought, 'Brilliant, that's a meeting of the minds right there.' "
Noel Gallagher hid from Courtney Love
Noel Gallagher once had to hide from Courtney Love.
The 'Ballad of the Mighty I' hitmaker admits he sneaked out of a recording studio when he heard she was in the building because he thinks the Hole singer is too "rowdy" for him.
He said: "I read an interview with her once where she said, 'I can't f***ing believe this, I know everyone in London but I haven't met Noel, is he hiding from me?' And the answer is - yes.
"I was in a recording studio in LA and we were in the back recording 'Don't Believe The Truth'.
"And reception called up and said, 'Just to warn you, Courtney Love just came in'.
"I could hear her shouting, 'Where's Noel? I gotta meet Noel.' So I grabbed a cig, exited out of the back door and went back to the motel and locked the door."
"I was like, 'I can't be dealing with her rowdiness, f***ing hell, no way.'
But I applaud her."
Noel didn't feel too bad about making a quick getaway because he thought she would get on well with his brother and former Oasis bandmate Liam Gallagher.
He added to NME magazine: "I knew Liam was running around in reception and I thought, 'Brilliant, that's a meeting of the minds right there.' "
Music News
5 Seconds of Summer star Michael Clifford came up with the band's name while he was in bed "nude, eating chocolate, and watching Scrubs".
The 19-year-old guitarist has confessed to coming up with the 'Don't Stop' hitmakers' moniker by accident and insists it has no significant meaning
When asked how they came up with the name for the band, Michael said: "We just... it doesn't mean anything. I wish it did, it's just a stupid name. I thought of it..."
However, drummer Ashton quickly corrected him, saying: "He was nude in bed"
Michael then shared: "I was in bed nude. Milk, chocolate, nude and watching Scrubs. That actually is the story. That's actually really embarrassing. Nude, eating milk, and chocolate and watching Scrubs."
The band - made up of Michael, Ashton, singer Luke Hemmings and Callum Hood - recently took time out of their busy gigging schedule in Tokyo to visit Japan's world famous Cat Café in Japan, however, Ashton was unable to join the group due as he is allergy to the felines.
Speaking in Japan, Luke said: "Ashton is allergic to cats. So it was me Callum and Michael. We went to the Cat Café. We were wearing pink slippers. They kind of stayed away from us in there. There were other people they were talking to."
Purple-haired guitarist Michael joked: "They kind of looked like me."
5 Seconds of Summer explain name
5 Seconds of Summer star Michael Clifford came up with the band's name while he was in bed "nude, eating chocolate, and watching Scrubs".
The 19-year-old guitarist has confessed to coming up with the 'Don't Stop' hitmakers' moniker by accident and insists it has no significant meaning
When asked how they came up with the name for the band, Michael said: "We just... it doesn't mean anything. I wish it did, it's just a stupid name. I thought of it..."
However, drummer Ashton quickly corrected him, saying: "He was nude in bed"
Michael then shared: "I was in bed nude. Milk, chocolate, nude and watching Scrubs. That actually is the story. That's actually really embarrassing. Nude, eating milk, and chocolate and watching Scrubs."
The band - made up of Michael, Ashton, singer Luke Hemmings and Callum Hood - recently took time out of their busy gigging schedule in Tokyo to visit Japan's world famous Cat Café in Japan, however, Ashton was unable to join the group due as he is allergy to the felines.
Speaking in Japan, Luke said: "Ashton is allergic to cats. So it was me Callum and Michael. We went to the Cat Café. We were wearing pink slippers. They kind of stayed away from us in there. There were other people they were talking to."
Purple-haired guitarist Michael joked: "They kind of looked like me."
Music News
Nathan Sykes has premiered his latest solo track.
The 21-year-old heartthrob has released 'More Than You'll Ever Know', ahead of his official debut solo single which is set to be released later this year.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "My first single will be out in Spring but as you've all been so amazingly patient I didn't want you to wait until then ...
"So the wait is over, sign up here for an exclusive track off my upcoming album (sic)."
The track - which is now available to purchase online - will feature on the star's first solo album, which follows from his career as part of The Wanted, who released their third studio record 'Word of Mouth' in 2013.
Although it has previously been reported the band's decision to go on hiatus was because they had become "bitter" towards one another, fellow member Max George did not seem to be holding any grudges as he congratulated the star on his new track.
Posting a link to the singer's new track, he wrote: "well done @NathanSykes ! Sounding more mature every day! Love it! Go get 'em bud! (sic)."
Meanwhile, Nathan previously confessed the record has been inspired by his struggle to get over ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande, with whom he enjoyed a four-month romance in late 2013.
He confessed: "The time we broke up was really tough. The Wanted decided to take a break and I lost my grandad. I was not in the best place. She was my first grown-up relationship. But sometimes you have to go into a place like that to be able to find the best music out of it.
"The most emotional song is about me telling myself not to be angry at the break-up because sometimes things just don't work out. That's life."
Nathan Sykes premieres new track
Nathan Sykes has premiered his latest solo track.
The 21-year-old heartthrob has released 'More Than You'll Ever Know', ahead of his official debut solo single which is set to be released later this year.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "My first single will be out in Spring but as you've all been so amazingly patient I didn't want you to wait until then ...
"So the wait is over, sign up here for an exclusive track off my upcoming album (sic)."
The track - which is now available to purchase online - will feature on the star's first solo album, which follows from his career as part of The Wanted, who released their third studio record 'Word of Mouth' in 2013.
Although it has previously been reported the band's decision to go on hiatus was because they had become "bitter" towards one another, fellow member Max George did not seem to be holding any grudges as he congratulated the star on his new track.
Posting a link to the singer's new track, he wrote: "well done @NathanSykes ! Sounding more mature every day! Love it! Go get 'em bud! (sic)."
Meanwhile, Nathan previously confessed the record has been inspired by his struggle to get over ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande, with whom he enjoyed a four-month romance in late 2013.
He confessed: "The time we broke up was really tough. The Wanted decided to take a break and I lost my grandad. I was not in the best place. She was my first grown-up relationship. But sometimes you have to go into a place like that to be able to find the best music out of it.
"The most emotional song is about me telling myself not to be angry at the break-up because sometimes things just don't work out. That's life."
Music News
Charli XCX and Ella Eyre have been added to the Bestival line-up.
The 'Doing It' hitmaker and the 'Waiting All Night' singer are among a number of female artists who have been added to the bill for the upcoming music event organised by DJ Rob Da Bank.
He said: "Well whaddya know? There are shed loads of amazing people making some startlingly good music at the moment... from pop to leftfield, soul to hip-hop and some ace DJs too, and look, lots of them are female! Whatever next?
"Joking aside, I'm really proud to announce the next wave of talent for Bestival - from pop starlets Charlie XCX and Ella Eyre, to the legendary Neneh Cherry, and so many good new indie bands like Jagaara, Honeyblood and Girlpool. (sic)"
The festival's founder also announced soul singer Lianne La Havas and electronic music acts B Traits, Monki and Moxie would be taking to the stage at Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight in September.
He added: "We're also raving away at Bestival HQ to the latest mixes from leading lights of the DJ scene, B Traits, Monki and Moxie. I cannot wait for September now - see you there!"
Other artists confirmed for the four-day festival include The Chemical Brothers, The Jacksons and Duran Duran as well as Tame Impala, Flying Lotus and Gorgon City.
Tickets to the 'Summer of Love' themed festival - which is celebrating its 12th year - are on sale now, available from: www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets
Charli XCX and Ella Eyre added to Bestival line-up
Charli XCX and Ella Eyre have been added to the Bestival line-up.
The 'Doing It' hitmaker and the 'Waiting All Night' singer are among a number of female artists who have been added to the bill for the upcoming music event organised by DJ Rob Da Bank.
He said: "Well whaddya know? There are shed loads of amazing people making some startlingly good music at the moment... from pop to leftfield, soul to hip-hop and some ace DJs too, and look, lots of them are female! Whatever next?
"Joking aside, I'm really proud to announce the next wave of talent for Bestival - from pop starlets Charlie XCX and Ella Eyre, to the legendary Neneh Cherry, and so many good new indie bands like Jagaara, Honeyblood and Girlpool. (sic)"
The festival's founder also announced soul singer Lianne La Havas and electronic music acts B Traits, Monki and Moxie would be taking to the stage at Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight in September.
He added: "We're also raving away at Bestival HQ to the latest mixes from leading lights of the DJ scene, B Traits, Monki and Moxie. I cannot wait for September now - see you there!"
Other artists confirmed for the four-day festival include The Chemical Brothers, The Jacksons and Duran Duran as well as Tame Impala, Flying Lotus and Gorgon City.
Tickets to the 'Summer of Love' themed festival - which is celebrating its 12th year - are on sale now, available from: www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets