Music News
Music News
Ed Sheeran is obsessed with his sales figures.
The 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker admits it isn't very "artistic" to take such an interest in the business side of his career, but he wants to know how well he is doing and insists it is a common attitude among artists today.
He said: "I know it's not very artistic, being into the way things work. But I want to know the numbers.
"We're all like that. Drake's like that. Taylor Swift knows everything about everything."
The 'Drunk' hitmaker also confessed to obsessing over how his promotional TV appearances affect his record sales.
Discussing what he would do after appearing on 'The X Factor', he said: "I'll be refreshing iTunes. Seeing where the song is. Of course, what's the f***ing point otherwise?
"Every TV show, big or small, I've always looked at the reaction. And compared it to whoever was on the week before."
The 23-year-old singer is also careful about his finances and takes a keen interest in ensuring he is earning the rightful share of his sales.
He told Q magazine: "Back in the day managers were crooks, record labels took 50 per cent, whereas now people are savvy.
"When I signed my deal, my manager, who used to work at Atlantic, said, 'I know the deal you gave to James Blunt last week so you'll give Ed exactly the same because I know you can.'
"Before it was, 'Record deal, cool, sign.' Pop stars nowadays are sensible. Because it doesn't last.
"Do your time, earn your money, buy some property and when it all goes to s**t you've got something to fall back on."
Ed Sheeran’s sales obsession
Ed Sheeran is obsessed with his sales figures.
The 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker admits it isn't very "artistic" to take such an interest in the business side of his career, but he wants to know how well he is doing and insists it is a common attitude among artists today.
He said: "I know it's not very artistic, being into the way things work. But I want to know the numbers.
"We're all like that. Drake's like that. Taylor Swift knows everything about everything."
The 'Drunk' hitmaker also confessed to obsessing over how his promotional TV appearances affect his record sales.
Discussing what he would do after appearing on 'The X Factor', he said: "I'll be refreshing iTunes. Seeing where the song is. Of course, what's the f***ing point otherwise?
"Every TV show, big or small, I've always looked at the reaction. And compared it to whoever was on the week before."
The 23-year-old singer is also careful about his finances and takes a keen interest in ensuring he is earning the rightful share of his sales.
He told Q magazine: "Back in the day managers were crooks, record labels took 50 per cent, whereas now people are savvy.
"When I signed my deal, my manager, who used to work at Atlantic, said, 'I know the deal you gave to James Blunt last week so you'll give Ed exactly the same because I know you can.'
"Before it was, 'Record deal, cool, sign.' Pop stars nowadays are sensible. Because it doesn't last.
"Do your time, earn your money, buy some property and when it all goes to s**t you've got something to fall back on."
Music News
Dolly Parton worried about the crowd looking up her skirt at Glastonbury.
The '9 to 5' hitmaker played the festival for the first time this year and took great care with her outfit, deliberately wearing trousers because she knew the stage was high enough to expose her "contract".
She said: "I wanted to wear pants because the stage was up so high, I didn't want the crowd looking up my dress and seeing my 'contract'.
"And I wore white because I feel light, airy and happy when I wear white. And I didn't get dirty. Even in all that mud."
Dolly, 68, admitted she was gripped with nerves before the performance because she was convinced her songs wouldn't go down well with a "rowdy" crowd.
She told Britain's Glamour magazine: "It was nerve-wracking because people kept telling me how big a deal it was.
"I was worried it was going to be ore of a rock crowd and I wasn't going to fit in.
"I spent a lot of time deciding what songs to sing because I was led to believe these people were rowdy, stoned and drinking, so I couldn't sit down and sing a lot of sad songs."
Dolly Parton explains Glastonbury outfit
Dolly Parton worried about the crowd looking up her skirt at Glastonbury.
The '9 to 5' hitmaker played the festival for the first time this year and took great care with her outfit, deliberately wearing trousers because she knew the stage was high enough to expose her "contract".
She said: "I wanted to wear pants because the stage was up so high, I didn't want the crowd looking up my dress and seeing my 'contract'.
"And I wore white because I feel light, airy and happy when I wear white. And I didn't get dirty. Even in all that mud."
Dolly, 68, admitted she was gripped with nerves before the performance because she was convinced her songs wouldn't go down well with a "rowdy" crowd.
She told Britain's Glamour magazine: "It was nerve-wracking because people kept telling me how big a deal it was.
"I was worried it was going to be ore of a rock crowd and I wasn't going to fit in.
"I spent a lot of time deciding what songs to sing because I was led to believe these people were rowdy, stoned and drinking, so I couldn't sit down and sing a lot of sad songs."
Music News
The new Kurt Cobain documentary will focus on his mother, wife Courtney Love and bandmate Krist Novoselic.
Filmmaker Brett Morgen recently announced the release of 'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' - the first authorised film about the late Nirvana frontman - but Bruce Pavitt, the founder of the group's first record label Sub Pop, has confirmed he hasn't been interviewed for the project.
He said: "Instead of having a number of talking heads, Morgen told me he's interviewing three key personalities in Kurt's story; Courtney Love, Krist Novoselic and Kurt's mom.
"Then there's tons of home video footage. I think it's going to be really interesting."
Bruce believes the film - which will feature "dozens" of performances and previously-unheard material - will be a "fascinating" insight into the troubled rocker, who committed suicide in 1994.
He added to NME magazine: "I think it's going to be really very good. As a psychological study of Kurt, it's going to be really fascinating.
"From the sound of it, it'll go deep into Cobain's psyche and the impact of that band."
The documentary will air on HBO in the US next year, though an international release has yet to be scheduled."
Kurt Cobain film to feature three ‘significant’ interviews
The new Kurt Cobain documentary will focus on his mother, wife Courtney Love and bandmate Krist Novoselic.
Filmmaker Brett Morgen recently announced the release of 'Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck' - the first authorised film about the late Nirvana frontman - but Bruce Pavitt, the founder of the group's first record label Sub Pop, has confirmed he hasn't been interviewed for the project.
He said: "Instead of having a number of talking heads, Morgen told me he's interviewing three key personalities in Kurt's story; Courtney Love, Krist Novoselic and Kurt's mom.
"Then there's tons of home video footage. I think it's going to be really interesting."
Bruce believes the film - which will feature "dozens" of performances and previously-unheard material - will be a "fascinating" insight into the troubled rocker, who committed suicide in 1994.
He added to NME magazine: "I think it's going to be really very good. As a psychological study of Kurt, it's going to be really fascinating.
"From the sound of it, it'll go deep into Cobain's psyche and the impact of that band."
The documentary will air on HBO in the US next year, though an international release has yet to be scheduled."
Music News
Annie Lennox performed a carol service at London's Abbey Road studios on Thursday (04.12.14).
The 59-year-old musician sang at the iconic studio as part of Amazon's revolutionary Carols by Kindlelight which was the first ever carol service delivered using Kindles.
Speaking about her performance, she said: "I had a fantastic time taking part in the Carols by Kindlelight concert at Abbey Road studios.
"It's always such a special experience to perform there as the building is so resonant with British recording history, so I'm sure that the magic of the evening will be transported beautifully to a global audience."
Presented by Steve Jones, lucky attendees to the one-off event also witnessed performances from classical vocal ensemble VOCES8, six time Platinum-selling New Zealand opera trio Sol3 Mio and million-selling soprano Laura Wright, who covered 'Let It Go' from the hit movie 'Frozen' at the event.
Talking about the idea of using kindles for the concert, she said: "When I heard about such a cool concept I immediately said yes,
"This is great way to make classical Christmas songs accessible to people around the world. It was beautiful to look out from the stage and see the sea of faces illuminated as they e-read the carols."
World renowned tenor Alfie Boe was also at the event, where he sang 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing' and a cover of the Elton John classic 'Step Into Christmas', while chart-topping Imelda May performed the festive classic 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'.
Amazon Prime Instant Video will release Abbey Road Carols by Kindlelight Concert at 7pm on December 12 for on demand enjoyment
Annie Lennox performs exclusive Abbey Road show
Annie Lennox performed a carol service at London's Abbey Road studios on Thursday (04.12.14).
The 59-year-old musician sang at the iconic studio as part of Amazon's revolutionary Carols by Kindlelight which was the first ever carol service delivered using Kindles.
Speaking about her performance, she said: "I had a fantastic time taking part in the Carols by Kindlelight concert at Abbey Road studios.
"It's always such a special experience to perform there as the building is so resonant with British recording history, so I'm sure that the magic of the evening will be transported beautifully to a global audience."
Presented by Steve Jones, lucky attendees to the one-off event also witnessed performances from classical vocal ensemble VOCES8, six time Platinum-selling New Zealand opera trio Sol3 Mio and million-selling soprano Laura Wright, who covered 'Let It Go' from the hit movie 'Frozen' at the event.
Talking about the idea of using kindles for the concert, she said: "When I heard about such a cool concept I immediately said yes,
"This is great way to make classical Christmas songs accessible to people around the world. It was beautiful to look out from the stage and see the sea of faces illuminated as they e-read the carols."
World renowned tenor Alfie Boe was also at the event, where he sang 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing' and a cover of the Elton John classic 'Step Into Christmas', while chart-topping Imelda May performed the festive classic 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'.
Amazon Prime Instant Video will release Abbey Road Carols by Kindlelight Concert at 7pm on December 12 for on demand enjoyment
Music News
David Aldo says Rod Stewart is a big fan.
The singer - who has had six number one singles in South Africa - claims the 69-year-old music icon is a huge fan and even invites him over to perform at his home in Los Angeles.
He revealed: "Rod Stewart has me sing at his home on occasions too. He digs my style and coming from a music legend like him, is a big compliment for me."
The singing sensation - who is quickly gaining attention outside of his native South Africa - now lives in Los Angeles and admitted he frequently comes into contact with famous fans that come to see him live.
He added: "It's nice to be appreciated and respected by successful people in the entertainment industry. I guess it validates me in some way. I'm more excited when I see big stars that have been around for a long time, like Oprah, or Tom Cruise than some of the newer ones.
"I like it when Sylvester Stallone comes to me and chats when he's in my audience. Like most kids the 'Rocky' movies made a big impact on me."
Aldo - whose single 'Just You' is out now - also recalled one moment in particular when he was shocked to be approached by 'Total Recall' actor Colin Farrell who said the late actress Elizabeth Taylor loved his music.
He explained: "I'm not usually a star struck kind of guy and truly believe that we are all equals on this earth, although Elizabeth Taylor used to come to the Polo Lounge and watch me sing. I thought this was pretty cool, after all she is a huge Hollywood icon.
"Once she was with Colin Farrell and he pulled me aside and said she was a big fan of mine. That made me feel good."
David's debut UK album 'David Aldo' is released in February 2015. For more information visit: http://www.davidaldo.com
Rod Stewart ‘digs’ David Aldo
David Aldo says Rod Stewart is a big fan.
The singer - who has had six number one singles in South Africa - claims the 69-year-old music icon is a huge fan and even invites him over to perform at his home in Los Angeles.
He revealed: "Rod Stewart has me sing at his home on occasions too. He digs my style and coming from a music legend like him, is a big compliment for me."
The singing sensation - who is quickly gaining attention outside of his native South Africa - now lives in Los Angeles and admitted he frequently comes into contact with famous fans that come to see him live.
He added: "It's nice to be appreciated and respected by successful people in the entertainment industry. I guess it validates me in some way. I'm more excited when I see big stars that have been around for a long time, like Oprah, or Tom Cruise than some of the newer ones.
"I like it when Sylvester Stallone comes to me and chats when he's in my audience. Like most kids the 'Rocky' movies made a big impact on me."
Aldo - whose single 'Just You' is out now - also recalled one moment in particular when he was shocked to be approached by 'Total Recall' actor Colin Farrell who said the late actress Elizabeth Taylor loved his music.
He explained: "I'm not usually a star struck kind of guy and truly believe that we are all equals on this earth, although Elizabeth Taylor used to come to the Polo Lounge and watch me sing. I thought this was pretty cool, after all she is a huge Hollywood icon.
"Once she was with Colin Farrell and he pulled me aside and said she was a big fan of mine. That made me feel good."
David's debut UK album 'David Aldo' is released in February 2015. For more information visit: http://www.davidaldo.com
Music News
Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and Iggy Azalea are among artists nominated for next year's Grammy Awards.
The three acts are up for the coveted Record of the Year category alongside Sia for 'Chandelier' and Meghan Trainor with 'All About That Bass', while acts including Coldplay and Miley Cyrus have also been nominated in the first wave of categories announced today (05.12.14).
Speaking on Thursday (04.12.14) about the prospect of being nominated for any award, Sam told Billboard.com: "The Grammy to me is everything, and it's something that I've dreamed of from a very, very young age. I lose my sense of humour when people start talking about it, because it's something that I really don't take very lightly. So anything that happens ... If I get to attend again, I'll be happy."
The 22-year-old musician has also been shortlisted for the Pop Solo Performance for 'Stay With Me' and he will compete against John Legend, Sia, Taylor Swift and Pharrell Williams for the honour.
Sam is also in contention for the Pop Vocal Album gong for his debut LP 'In the Lonely Hour' and is up against Coldplay's 'Ghost Stories', Miley Cyrus' 'Bangerz', Ariana Grande LP 'My Everything', Katy Perry's global hit album 'Prism' and Ed Sheeran's 'x'.
Following the announcement, Ed thanked fans on Twitter for their support.
The 23-year-old songwriter wrote: "Grammy nom and my album multiply has sold 3 million worldwide as of this morning. Good start to the day, thanks for all the support and love (sic)"
Beyonce and Chris Brown are among acts up for the Urban Contemporary Album, with the latest round of announcements also including nominees for the Country Album category which includes Miranda Lambert's 'Platinum' and the Eric Church record 'The Outsiders'.
Winners of all 83 Grammy categories will be revealed at the 57th edition of the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday February 8 2015.
Partial list of nominations for the Grammy Awards 2015:
Record of the Year
Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX - 'Fancy'
Sia - 'Chandelier'
Sam Smith - 'Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)'
Taylor Swift - 'Shake It Off'
Meghan Trainor - 'All About That Bass'
Country Album
Dierks Bentley - 'Riser'
Eric Church - 'The Outsiders'
Brandy Clark - '12 Stories'
Miranda Lambert - 'Platinum'
Lee Ann Womack - 'The Way I'm Livin'
Pop Vocal Album
Coldplay - 'Ghost Stories'
Miley Cyrus - 'Bangerz'
Ariana Grande - 'My Everything'
Katy Perry - 'Prism'
Ed Sheeran -'X'
Sam Smith - 'In the Lonely Hour'
Urban Contemporary Album
Jhene Aiko - 'Sail Out'
Beyonce - 'Beyonce'
Chris Brown - 'X'
Mali Music - 'Mali Is...'
Pharrell Williams - 'Girl'
Pop Solo Performance
John Legend - 'All of Me'
Sia - 'Chandelier'
Sam Smith - 'Stay With Me'
Taylor Swift - 'Shake It Off'
Pharrell Williams - 'Happy'
Sam Smith and Taylor Swift nominated for Grammys
Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and Iggy Azalea are among artists nominated for next year's Grammy Awards.
The three acts are up for the coveted Record of the Year category alongside Sia for 'Chandelier' and Meghan Trainor with 'All About That Bass', while acts including Coldplay and Miley Cyrus have also been nominated in the first wave of categories announced today (05.12.14).
Speaking on Thursday (04.12.14) about the prospect of being nominated for any award, Sam told Billboard.com: "The Grammy to me is everything, and it's something that I've dreamed of from a very, very young age. I lose my sense of humour when people start talking about it, because it's something that I really don't take very lightly. So anything that happens ... If I get to attend again, I'll be happy."
The 22-year-old musician has also been shortlisted for the Pop Solo Performance for 'Stay With Me' and he will compete against John Legend, Sia, Taylor Swift and Pharrell Williams for the honour.
Sam is also in contention for the Pop Vocal Album gong for his debut LP 'In the Lonely Hour' and is up against Coldplay's 'Ghost Stories', Miley Cyrus' 'Bangerz', Ariana Grande LP 'My Everything', Katy Perry's global hit album 'Prism' and Ed Sheeran's 'x'.
Following the announcement, Ed thanked fans on Twitter for their support.
The 23-year-old songwriter wrote: "Grammy nom and my album multiply has sold 3 million worldwide as of this morning. Good start to the day, thanks for all the support and love (sic)"
Beyonce and Chris Brown are among acts up for the Urban Contemporary Album, with the latest round of announcements also including nominees for the Country Album category which includes Miranda Lambert's 'Platinum' and the Eric Church record 'The Outsiders'.
Winners of all 83 Grammy categories will be revealed at the 57th edition of the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday February 8 2015.
Partial list of nominations for the Grammy Awards 2015:
Record of the Year
Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX - 'Fancy'
Sia - 'Chandelier'
Sam Smith - 'Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)'
Taylor Swift - 'Shake It Off'
Meghan Trainor - 'All About That Bass'
Country Album
Dierks Bentley - 'Riser'
Eric Church - 'The Outsiders'
Brandy Clark - '12 Stories'
Miranda Lambert - 'Platinum'
Lee Ann Womack - 'The Way I'm Livin'
Pop Vocal Album
Coldplay - 'Ghost Stories'
Miley Cyrus - 'Bangerz'
Ariana Grande - 'My Everything'
Katy Perry - 'Prism'
Ed Sheeran -'X'
Sam Smith - 'In the Lonely Hour'
Urban Contemporary Album
Jhene Aiko - 'Sail Out'
Beyonce - 'Beyonce'
Chris Brown - 'X'
Mali Music - 'Mali Is...'
Pharrell Williams - 'Girl'
Pop Solo Performance
John Legend - 'All of Me'
Sia - 'Chandelier'
Sam Smith - 'Stay With Me'
Taylor Swift - 'Shake It Off'
Pharrell Williams - 'Happy'
Music News
Rod Stewart has paid tribute to his late Faces bandmate Ian McLagan, admitting he is "devastated" by his death.
Keyboard player Ian died at the age of 69 at a hospital in Austin, Texas, after having a "massive stroke" on Wednesday (03.12.14), and Rod admits he is in shock after being told the tragic news by fellow former Faces member Ronnie Wood.
Talking to NME.com, Rod said: "I'm absolutely devastated. Last night I was at a charity do, Mick Hucknall was singing 'I'd Rather Go Blind' and Ron Wood texted to say Ian had passed. It was as if his spirit was in the room. I'll miss you mate."
Ian was in the Faces with Rod and Ronnie Wood until their split in 1975, when he decided to pursue a musical career as a session artist, performing with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Bragg.
Singer/songwriter Billy, 56, took to Twitter to pay tribute to Ian - who was also in the Small Faces - describing him as one of the "greatest players" in "British rock".
He tweeted: "I have lost a dear friend and British rock has lost one of its greatest players. RIP Ian McLagan."
Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones were among other stars who posted on the social networking site to mourn the loss of the musician.
Steve wrote: "Sorry to hear Ian McLagan died today, he and the faces was a big part of my teens. (sic)"
Rod Stewart ‘devastated’ by death of Ian McLagan
Rod Stewart has paid tribute to his late Faces bandmate Ian McLagan, admitting he is "devastated" by his death.
Keyboard player Ian died at the age of 69 at a hospital in Austin, Texas, after having a "massive stroke" on Wednesday (03.12.14), and Rod admits he is in shock after being told the tragic news by fellow former Faces member Ronnie Wood.
Talking to NME.com, Rod said: "I'm absolutely devastated. Last night I was at a charity do, Mick Hucknall was singing 'I'd Rather Go Blind' and Ron Wood texted to say Ian had passed. It was as if his spirit was in the room. I'll miss you mate."
Ian was in the Faces with Rod and Ronnie Wood until their split in 1975, when he decided to pursue a musical career as a session artist, performing with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Bragg.
Singer/songwriter Billy, 56, took to Twitter to pay tribute to Ian - who was also in the Small Faces - describing him as one of the "greatest players" in "British rock".
He tweeted: "I have lost a dear friend and British rock has lost one of its greatest players. RIP Ian McLagan."
Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones were among other stars who posted on the social networking site to mourn the loss of the musician.
Steve wrote: "Sorry to hear Ian McLagan died today, he and the faces was a big part of my teens. (sic)"
Music News
Sir Paul McCartney lost 14lbs in one week after contracting a stomach bug.
The 72-year-old music icon was rushed to hospital in May during a trip to Japan, where he fell ill with the mystery sickness which resulted in him suffering dramatic weight loss.
Discussing the illness, he revealed: "It was some stomach thing and I was throwing up and didn't eat for a week, which is one way to lose weight.
"That's not recommended. I lost nearly a stone (14lbs) or something."
The former Beatles star - who is married to Nancy Shevell - was forced to cancel the remainder of his Asian tour but ultimately was glad he did because the time he spent resting made him feel "stronger than ever".
He added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "My friends said, 'Normally, you'd hate that because you love working.' "
"But I took six weeks and came back stronger than ever."
Thankfully the illness was not life-threatening, and he praised doctors at Tokyo's St Luke's International Hospital who nursed him back to full health following the scare.
He said: "They looked after me amazingly and by then I was on the drugs anyway, so I didn't care. I felt great."
Following the cancellation of several dates in the country, as well as one show in Seoul, South Korea, the 'Hey Jude' hitmaker has vowed to make it up to his Japanese fans and promised he would soon be returning to the country.
He said: "I'm going back to Japan next year."
Sir Paul McCartney lost 14lbs due to stomach bug
Sir Paul McCartney lost 14lbs in one week after contracting a stomach bug.
The 72-year-old music icon was rushed to hospital in May during a trip to Japan, where he fell ill with the mystery sickness which resulted in him suffering dramatic weight loss.
Discussing the illness, he revealed: "It was some stomach thing and I was throwing up and didn't eat for a week, which is one way to lose weight.
"That's not recommended. I lost nearly a stone (14lbs) or something."
The former Beatles star - who is married to Nancy Shevell - was forced to cancel the remainder of his Asian tour but ultimately was glad he did because the time he spent resting made him feel "stronger than ever".
He added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "My friends said, 'Normally, you'd hate that because you love working.' "
"But I took six weeks and came back stronger than ever."
Thankfully the illness was not life-threatening, and he praised doctors at Tokyo's St Luke's International Hospital who nursed him back to full health following the scare.
He said: "They looked after me amazingly and by then I was on the drugs anyway, so I didn't care. I felt great."
Following the cancellation of several dates in the country, as well as one show in Seoul, South Korea, the 'Hey Jude' hitmaker has vowed to make it up to his Japanese fans and promised he would soon be returning to the country.
He said: "I'm going back to Japan next year."