Music News
Music News
Beatie Wolfe felt inspired by the children who she recorded charity song 'Kids Wish For The World' with.
The singer/songwriter launched a competition on kids' social media platform PopJam - the new project from Moshi Monsters creator Michael Acton Smith - to invite youngsters to submit their hopes for the planet to create lyrics for a reworked version of her track 'Wish'.
Beatie was expecting the kids to be focused on themselves but was pleasantly surprised when she read their wishes and discovered they were focused on what things can make the world better for everyone.
Speaking at the unveiling of the single and video at the Apple Store on Regent Street in London on Thursday night (12.02.15), Beatie said: "I was expecting them (the wishes) to be stuff like, 'I'd like to get a new pair of Nike trainers,' or, 'I wish I had a helicopter.' You know, like, typical 12-year-old boy wishes, actually they were about everyone having enough food, enough water and respecting one another. That was pretty mind-blowing to me. We were expecting maybe a couple of thousand responses because the site was still in the early days, we got 20,000 responses in two days."
From the thousands of submissions, Beatie chose 10 winners who all got to join her in the recording studio and sing their individual wishes and she was very impressed with their singing talents.
She added: "I believe a few of the kids hadn't really sung before and they definitely hadn't been into a recording studio. They did the most sensational job. They were all chosen on the basis of their wish - not their singing voice - so the fact they all sounded like angels was a total bonus."
'Kids Wish for the World' is available via iTunes, Amazon and other online retailers now and is raising money for for children's charities NSPCC's ChildLine and War Child.
Beatie Wolfe inspired by kids’ wishes
Beatie Wolfe felt inspired by the children who she recorded charity song 'Kids Wish For The World' with.
The singer/songwriter launched a competition on kids' social media platform PopJam - the new project from Moshi Monsters creator Michael Acton Smith - to invite youngsters to submit their hopes for the planet to create lyrics for a reworked version of her track 'Wish'.
Beatie was expecting the kids to be focused on themselves but was pleasantly surprised when she read their wishes and discovered they were focused on what things can make the world better for everyone.
Speaking at the unveiling of the single and video at the Apple Store on Regent Street in London on Thursday night (12.02.15), Beatie said: "I was expecting them (the wishes) to be stuff like, 'I'd like to get a new pair of Nike trainers,' or, 'I wish I had a helicopter.' You know, like, typical 12-year-old boy wishes, actually they were about everyone having enough food, enough water and respecting one another. That was pretty mind-blowing to me. We were expecting maybe a couple of thousand responses because the site was still in the early days, we got 20,000 responses in two days."
From the thousands of submissions, Beatie chose 10 winners who all got to join her in the recording studio and sing their individual wishes and she was very impressed with their singing talents.
She added: "I believe a few of the kids hadn't really sung before and they definitely hadn't been into a recording studio. They did the most sensational job. They were all chosen on the basis of their wish - not their singing voice - so the fact they all sounded like angels was a total bonus."
'Kids Wish for the World' is available via iTunes, Amazon and other online retailers now and is raising money for for children's charities NSPCC's ChildLine and War Child.
Music News
Ella Henderson takes advice from Ed Sheeran.
The 19-year-old singer revealed she bumped into the 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker on a flight last year, where he gave her invaluable advice on how to cope as a musician with a rocketing fan base.
She explained: "He's very supportive and kind, you know what, he just gave me great advice.
"He just really opened up to me about what it is like in the first year. You know last year for me was very crazy, it happened so fast and it was very unexpected. To have someone to just simply say, 'It's alright, that's ok' and to not feel like you need to stop and look back, you'll have time to do that in your old age. For someone to actually turn round and say that to you, it's nice, especially someone like him who I respect."
The 'Ghosts' singer - who released her debut album 'Chapter One' last year - has been nominated for two BRIT Awards at the much-anticipated ceremony later this month at London's O2 Arena, but has recently been enjoying flying the flag over in the US where fellow musicians Ed and 22-year-old Sam Smith are also gaining recognition.
Speaking on ITV's 'Lorraine', she said: "It feels like a great time to be out there [in the States], there's people doing it like Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran and to be amongst those kind of people it's just fun, I'm enjoying it."
Ella Henderson takes advice from Ed Sheeran
Ella Henderson takes advice from Ed Sheeran.
The 19-year-old singer revealed she bumped into the 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker on a flight last year, where he gave her invaluable advice on how to cope as a musician with a rocketing fan base.
She explained: "He's very supportive and kind, you know what, he just gave me great advice.
"He just really opened up to me about what it is like in the first year. You know last year for me was very crazy, it happened so fast and it was very unexpected. To have someone to just simply say, 'It's alright, that's ok' and to not feel like you need to stop and look back, you'll have time to do that in your old age. For someone to actually turn round and say that to you, it's nice, especially someone like him who I respect."
The 'Ghosts' singer - who released her debut album 'Chapter One' last year - has been nominated for two BRIT Awards at the much-anticipated ceremony later this month at London's O2 Arena, but has recently been enjoying flying the flag over in the US where fellow musicians Ed and 22-year-old Sam Smith are also gaining recognition.
Speaking on ITV's 'Lorraine', she said: "It feels like a great time to be out there [in the States], there's people doing it like Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran and to be amongst those kind of people it's just fun, I'm enjoying it."
Music News
Florence + The Machine have announced their third album, 'How Big How Blue How Beautiful'.
The 'You've Got the Love' hitmakers' third studio album will be released on June 1 in the UK, and will follow-up 2011's acclaimed record 'Ceremonials' which spawned hits 'Shake It Out', 'Spectrum' and 'No Light, No Light'.
Confirming the news in a handwritten letter posted on the group's Facebook page, she wrote: "hello all... Very excited to announce my new album 'HOW BIG HOW BLUE HOW BEAUTIFUL' you can watch the video for 'What Kind of Man' today, shot in LA and Merida Mexico by my dear Vincent Haycock so much love, Florence (sic)."
As well as the 11-track LP, the indie pop group fronted by Florence Welch have premiered the first single to be released from the collection which is titled 'What Kind of Man'.
The 'Dog Days Are Over' singers have also been added to the line-up for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend - Europe's largest free ticketed event - playing the two-day festival's main stage on Saturday 23 May.
Speaking about her excitement for the festival season, frontwoman Florence Welch told the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show: "It's always really nice to play outdoors and see the sky, and elements. They become the special effects."
The event - which will take place in Earlham Park in Norwich - will also feature a set from 'Shake It Off' singer Taylor Swift on Sunday 24 May.
The news comes in the same week the star hosted a private listening party of the album at Les Trois Garçons in Shoreditch, London, which was attended by pals including indie pop band The xx, 'Tough Love' singer Jessie Ware and model Daisy Lowe.
Anticipation for the long-awaited album was heightened on Tuesday (10.02.15) when iTunes prematurely posted a banner welcoming fans to pre-order the collection in order to gain an automatic download of 'What Kind of Man', although this was swiftly taken down.
The tracklisting for 'How Big How Blue How Beautiful' is as follows:
'Ship To Wreck'
'What Kind Of Man'
'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful'
'Queen Of Peace'
'Various Storms & Saints'
'Delilah'
'Long & Lost'
'Caught'
'Third Eye'
'St Jude'
'Mother'
Deluxe:
'Hiding'
'Make Up Your Mind'
'Which Witch'
'Third Eye' (demo)
'How Big, How Blue' (demo)
Florence + The Machine announce third album
Florence + The Machine have announced their third album, 'How Big How Blue How Beautiful'.
The 'You've Got the Love' hitmakers' third studio album will be released on June 1 in the UK, and will follow-up 2011's acclaimed record 'Ceremonials' which spawned hits 'Shake It Out', 'Spectrum' and 'No Light, No Light'.
Confirming the news in a handwritten letter posted on the group's Facebook page, she wrote: "hello all... Very excited to announce my new album 'HOW BIG HOW BLUE HOW BEAUTIFUL' you can watch the video for 'What Kind of Man' today, shot in LA and Merida Mexico by my dear Vincent Haycock so much love, Florence (sic)."
As well as the 11-track LP, the indie pop group fronted by Florence Welch have premiered the first single to be released from the collection which is titled 'What Kind of Man'.
The 'Dog Days Are Over' singers have also been added to the line-up for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend - Europe's largest free ticketed event - playing the two-day festival's main stage on Saturday 23 May.
Speaking about her excitement for the festival season, frontwoman Florence Welch told the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show: "It's always really nice to play outdoors and see the sky, and elements. They become the special effects."
The event - which will take place in Earlham Park in Norwich - will also feature a set from 'Shake It Off' singer Taylor Swift on Sunday 24 May.
The news comes in the same week the star hosted a private listening party of the album at Les Trois Garçons in Shoreditch, London, which was attended by pals including indie pop band The xx, 'Tough Love' singer Jessie Ware and model Daisy Lowe.
Anticipation for the long-awaited album was heightened on Tuesday (10.02.15) when iTunes prematurely posted a banner welcoming fans to pre-order the collection in order to gain an automatic download of 'What Kind of Man', although this was swiftly taken down.
The tracklisting for 'How Big How Blue How Beautiful' is as follows:
'Ship To Wreck'
'What Kind Of Man'
'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful'
'Queen Of Peace'
'Various Storms & Saints'
'Delilah'
'Long & Lost'
'Caught'
'Third Eye'
'St Jude'
'Mother'
Deluxe:
'Hiding'
'Make Up Your Mind'
'Which Witch'
'Third Eye' (demo)
'How Big, How Blue' (demo)
Music News
Boy George has been left "heartbroken" by Steve Strange's death.
The Culture Club frontman has paid tribute to his friend following his sudden death from a heart attack aged 55 yesterday (12.02.15).
George - who, prior to finding fame, worked in the cloakroom of Steve's infamous Blitz nightclub - tweeted: "Heartbroken about the death of my friend Steve Strange. So bloody sad. Such a big part of my life!"
Fellow New Romantics Spandau Ballet - who got their big break performing at Blitz - were left "in tears" by the news and dedicated their appearance at the Sanremo festival in Italy to the Visage frontman.
Guitarist Gary Kemp tweeted: "Spandau in tears tonight. We dedicated our performance to Steve Strange. Without him we would never have been here. A maverick to the end."
His brother and bandmate Martin Kemp added: "RIPsteve strange goodbye my dear friend. I will miss you! (sic)"
Singer Kim Wilde is another star saddened by the 'Fade to Grey' hitmaker's death and remembered him as a "family man".
She said in a statement: "I'm so grateful that life brought Steve and I together, he was funny, great company and completely bonkers in the most adorable way.
"He would often call up for a long chat, and always asked after my husband Hal, and our children Harry and Rose.
"Steve was a family man first and often spoke of his beloved family in Wales.
"Steve will be remembered as the most elegant and beautiful of the New Romantics at the beginning of the 80s, and 'Fade To Grey' one of the very best and most influential records of the decade.
"I shall remember him for his humour and generous spirit; he really was a very lovely man."
A number of other 80s icons have also paid tribute to the late star.
Duran Duran frontman, Simon Le Bon, tweeted: "I'm very sad to announce that our friend Steve Strange has died in Egypt today. He was the leading edge of New Romantic. God Bless him."
Billy Idol added: "Very sad to hear of my friend Steve Strange @Stevevisstrange passing, RIP mate.....(sic)."
Steve's band Visage formed in 1979 and became prominent after they released their record 'Fade to Grey' a year later.
Boy George heartbroken over Steve Strange’s death
Boy George has been left "heartbroken" by Steve Strange's death.
The Culture Club frontman has paid tribute to his friend following his sudden death from a heart attack aged 55 yesterday (12.02.15).
George - who, prior to finding fame, worked in the cloakroom of Steve's infamous Blitz nightclub - tweeted: "Heartbroken about the death of my friend Steve Strange. So bloody sad. Such a big part of my life!"
Fellow New Romantics Spandau Ballet - who got their big break performing at Blitz - were left "in tears" by the news and dedicated their appearance at the Sanremo festival in Italy to the Visage frontman.
Guitarist Gary Kemp tweeted: "Spandau in tears tonight. We dedicated our performance to Steve Strange. Without him we would never have been here. A maverick to the end."
His brother and bandmate Martin Kemp added: "RIPsteve strange goodbye my dear friend. I will miss you! (sic)"
Singer Kim Wilde is another star saddened by the 'Fade to Grey' hitmaker's death and remembered him as a "family man".
She said in a statement: "I'm so grateful that life brought Steve and I together, he was funny, great company and completely bonkers in the most adorable way.
"He would often call up for a long chat, and always asked after my husband Hal, and our children Harry and Rose.
"Steve was a family man first and often spoke of his beloved family in Wales.
"Steve will be remembered as the most elegant and beautiful of the New Romantics at the beginning of the 80s, and 'Fade To Grey' one of the very best and most influential records of the decade.
"I shall remember him for his humour and generous spirit; he really was a very lovely man."
A number of other 80s icons have also paid tribute to the late star.
Duran Duran frontman, Simon Le Bon, tweeted: "I'm very sad to announce that our friend Steve Strange has died in Egypt today. He was the leading edge of New Romantic. God Bless him."
Billy Idol added: "Very sad to hear of my friend Steve Strange @Stevevisstrange passing, RIP mate.....(sic)."
Steve's band Visage formed in 1979 and became prominent after they released their record 'Fade to Grey' a year later.
Music News
Sam Smith wants to inspire gay children "in 400 years" time.
The 'Stay With Me' hitmaker is openly gay and hopes his debut album 'In the Lonely Hour' - which he wrote about the unrequited love he experienced when he fell for a straight man - will comfort people for years to come because it is such a common experience.
He explained: "I'm just trying to make music that stands the test of time. So that, in 400 years, when a little kid who's gay listens to In the Lonely Hour, or my next record, he will be inspired."
As part of his desire to be as honest as possible when it comes to his music, he has also vowed to be a "different type of popstar" who is completely the same in his personal life as he is in the spotlight.
Speaking to Evening Standards magazine, he continued: "I want to be a different type of pop star. I want to be a pop star who's not Photoshopped, who's straight-on human ... Honesty is timeless."
The 22-year-old singer's promise comes days after his debut record was recognised at the Grammy Awards, with the young Brit picking up four awards at the prestigious ceremony, causing sales of the already 5 times platinum album to triple on amazon.co.uk.
Sam Smith wants to inspire gay children with music
Sam Smith wants to inspire gay children "in 400 years" time.
The 'Stay With Me' hitmaker is openly gay and hopes his debut album 'In the Lonely Hour' - which he wrote about the unrequited love he experienced when he fell for a straight man - will comfort people for years to come because it is such a common experience.
He explained: "I'm just trying to make music that stands the test of time. So that, in 400 years, when a little kid who's gay listens to In the Lonely Hour, or my next record, he will be inspired."
As part of his desire to be as honest as possible when it comes to his music, he has also vowed to be a "different type of popstar" who is completely the same in his personal life as he is in the spotlight.
Speaking to Evening Standards magazine, he continued: "I want to be a different type of pop star. I want to be a pop star who's not Photoshopped, who's straight-on human ... Honesty is timeless."
The 22-year-old singer's promise comes days after his debut record was recognised at the Grammy Awards, with the young Brit picking up four awards at the prestigious ceremony, causing sales of the already 5 times platinum album to triple on amazon.co.uk.
Music News
Visage's Steve Strange has died aged 55.
The frontman of the 1980s pop band tragically passed away today (12.02.15) in hospital in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt after he suffered a heart attack in his sleep, his record label has confirmed.
August Day Recordings manager, Marc Green, said in a statement: "We are extremely saddened to announce that Steve Strange died at 11.15 local time on Thursday, February 12 in Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital, Egypt. Steve died in his sleep of heart failure.
"Steve's family, band members and friends are all distraught at this sudden news of his untimely death.Steve's family request privacy at this extremely difficult time."
Steve's agent, Pete Bassett, described the singer as a "hard-working, very amusing and lovable individual who always was at the forefront of fashion trends".
He added: "Up until last year he was putting together a book of fashion styles based on the New Romantic movement and it comes as a great shock. We understood that he had certain health problems but nothing we knew was life-threatening."
After the heartbreaking news broke this evening, a number of music icons took to Twitter to share their anguish over the death of Steve, whose real name is Steven Harrington.
Duran Duran frontman, Simon Le Bon, tweeted: "I'm very sad to announce that our friend Steve Strange has died in Egypt today. He was the leading edge of New Romantic. God Bless him."
Billy Idol added: "Very sad to hear of my friend Steve Strange @Stevevisstrange passing, RIP mate.....(sic)."
Steve's band Visage formed in 1979 and became prominent after they released their record 'Fade to Grey' a year later.
Steve Strange dies aged 55
Visage's Steve Strange has died aged 55.
The frontman of the 1980s pop band tragically passed away today (12.02.15) in hospital in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt after he suffered a heart attack in his sleep, his record label has confirmed.
August Day Recordings manager, Marc Green, said in a statement: "We are extremely saddened to announce that Steve Strange died at 11.15 local time on Thursday, February 12 in Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital, Egypt. Steve died in his sleep of heart failure.
"Steve's family, band members and friends are all distraught at this sudden news of his untimely death.Steve's family request privacy at this extremely difficult time."
Steve's agent, Pete Bassett, described the singer as a "hard-working, very amusing and lovable individual who always was at the forefront of fashion trends".
He added: "Up until last year he was putting together a book of fashion styles based on the New Romantic movement and it comes as a great shock. We understood that he had certain health problems but nothing we knew was life-threatening."
After the heartbreaking news broke this evening, a number of music icons took to Twitter to share their anguish over the death of Steve, whose real name is Steven Harrington.
Duran Duran frontman, Simon Le Bon, tweeted: "I'm very sad to announce that our friend Steve Strange has died in Egypt today. He was the leading edge of New Romantic. God Bless him."
Billy Idol added: "Very sad to hear of my friend Steve Strange @Stevevisstrange passing, RIP mate.....(sic)."
Steve's band Visage formed in 1979 and became prominent after they released their record 'Fade to Grey' a year later.
Music News
The Chemical Brothers, The Jacksons and Duran Duran are among acts confirmed for Bestival.
The annual music festival which takes place on the Isle of Wight, just off the coast of southern England, will also host performances from Tame Impala, Flying Lotus, Gorgon City and Future Islands.
Chemical Brothers will headline the Saturday night of the event, while Underworld will perform a UK festival exclusive when they headline the Big Top on Thursday night.
Duran Duran have also been confirmed as a UK festival exclusive and will be bringing their new stage show to the festival, playing tracks from their new album which is set to feature Mr. Hudson, Mark Ronson and Nile Rodgers.
Speaking about the announcement, frontman Simon Le Bon said: "This year sees the beginning of a new Duran Duran live show. I couldn't imagine starting it with more of a bang than an appearance at Bestival."
Elsewhere, The Jacksons - featuring Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon - will play their only UK festival performance of 2015 at the event which runs from September 10-13 2015 at Robin Hill Country Park on the island.
Other confirmed artists include Annie Mac, Jurrasic 5, Little Dragon, Roisin Murphy, Duke Dumont, Jamie XX, Kate Tempest, Hannah Wants, Todd Terje and Four Tet, amongst others.
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
Chemical Brothers and The Jacksons confirmed for Bestival
The Chemical Brothers, The Jacksons and Duran Duran are among acts confirmed for Bestival.
The annual music festival which takes place on the Isle of Wight, just off the coast of southern England, will also host performances from Tame Impala, Flying Lotus, Gorgon City and Future Islands.
Chemical Brothers will headline the Saturday night of the event, while Underworld will perform a UK festival exclusive when they headline the Big Top on Thursday night.
Duran Duran have also been confirmed as a UK festival exclusive and will be bringing their new stage show to the festival, playing tracks from their new album which is set to feature Mr. Hudson, Mark Ronson and Nile Rodgers.
Speaking about the announcement, frontman Simon Le Bon said: "This year sees the beginning of a new Duran Duran live show. I couldn't imagine starting it with more of a bang than an appearance at Bestival."
Elsewhere, The Jacksons - featuring Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon - will play their only UK festival performance of 2015 at the event which runs from September 10-13 2015 at Robin Hill Country Park on the island.
Other confirmed artists include Annie Mac, Jurrasic 5, Little Dragon, Roisin Murphy, Duke Dumont, Jamie XX, Kate Tempest, Hannah Wants, Todd Terje and Four Tet, amongst others.
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
Music News
Will Smith is considering a return to music.
The 46-year-old actor entered the studio with 'Bound 2' rapper Kanye West in 2013 and is now contemplating ending his 10-year hiatus after seeing his children Jaden, 16, and Willow, 14, forge music careers of their own.
Speaking at a London screening of his new film 'Focus' last night (11.02.15), he said: "I went into the studio with Kanye. I'm thinking about it. I'm exploring."
The father-of-three released his fourth solo studio record 'Lost and Found' in 2005 and although he has been apprehensive about returning to the industry, the famous actor said he is "exploring" the possibility.
He explained: "I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet but I'm exploring."
However, the 'Gettin' Jiggy Wit It' hitmaker - who also had hits with 'Summertime', 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air', and 'Men in Black' - revealed his time away from music has been due to a creative block, which Jaden has advised him to "write out".
He said: "I'm in a creative ceiling. My son tells me I have to write out the things I don't like. I can't write and stop, I have to keep going and going and write them out. I've never worked like that before but I think I might give that a shot."
Will Smith considering music return
Will Smith is considering a return to music.
The 46-year-old actor entered the studio with 'Bound 2' rapper Kanye West in 2013 and is now contemplating ending his 10-year hiatus after seeing his children Jaden, 16, and Willow, 14, forge music careers of their own.
Speaking at a London screening of his new film 'Focus' last night (11.02.15), he said: "I went into the studio with Kanye. I'm thinking about it. I'm exploring."
The father-of-three released his fourth solo studio record 'Lost and Found' in 2005 and although he has been apprehensive about returning to the industry, the famous actor said he is "exploring" the possibility.
He explained: "I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet but I'm exploring."
However, the 'Gettin' Jiggy Wit It' hitmaker - who also had hits with 'Summertime', 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air', and 'Men in Black' - revealed his time away from music has been due to a creative block, which Jaden has advised him to "write out".
He said: "I'm in a creative ceiling. My son tells me I have to write out the things I don't like. I can't write and stop, I have to keep going and going and write them out. I've never worked like that before but I think I might give that a shot."