Music News
Music News
N.E.R.D. have reunited for their first new music in almost five years.
The hip hop trio - featuring Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shae Haley - have recorded three new songs for the official soundtrack of 'The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water'.
The first single to be taken from the soundtrack, 'Squeeze Me' is available to listen online now, while tracks honouring the animated character's pals have also been recorded, titled 'Patrick Star' and 'Sandy Squirrel'.
Speaking about making music with his bandmates for the movie, Pharrell, 41, claimed it was the perfect fit for them because he loves the sea dwelling invertebrate so much, with Shae saying they share beliefs with the loveable sponge.
He said: "We loved going into studio to make music for this film. I am one of SpongeBob's biggest fans--can't wait for everyone to hear the songs."
Shae added: "It was a complete honor to be a part of this project. SpongeBob and N.E.R.D. share the same belief that imagination is the key to everything."
Despite not having recorded new music together since the release of their fourth studio album 'Nothing' in 2010, Pharrell and Shae both appeared on stage together at Camden's Roundhouse in London in September and teased new material from the band.
Joining the 'Happy' hitmaker on stage, the 42-year-old musician said: "It feels good to be back in London. When we released our first album back in 2001 and first crossed the Atlantic, this was the first place to embrace us. You're going to like this s**t we're going to release."
N.E.R.D. reunite for three new songs
N.E.R.D. have reunited for their first new music in almost five years.
The hip hop trio - featuring Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shae Haley - have recorded three new songs for the official soundtrack of 'The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water'.
The first single to be taken from the soundtrack, 'Squeeze Me' is available to listen online now, while tracks honouring the animated character's pals have also been recorded, titled 'Patrick Star' and 'Sandy Squirrel'.
Speaking about making music with his bandmates for the movie, Pharrell, 41, claimed it was the perfect fit for them because he loves the sea dwelling invertebrate so much, with Shae saying they share beliefs with the loveable sponge.
He said: "We loved going into studio to make music for this film. I am one of SpongeBob's biggest fans--can't wait for everyone to hear the songs."
Shae added: "It was a complete honor to be a part of this project. SpongeBob and N.E.R.D. share the same belief that imagination is the key to everything."
Despite not having recorded new music together since the release of their fourth studio album 'Nothing' in 2010, Pharrell and Shae both appeared on stage together at Camden's Roundhouse in London in September and teased new material from the band.
Joining the 'Happy' hitmaker on stage, the 42-year-old musician said: "It feels good to be back in London. When we released our first album back in 2001 and first crossed the Atlantic, this was the first place to embrace us. You're going to like this s**t we're going to release."
Music News
Sam Smith thinks some pop stars are "awful".
The 22-year-old singer has revealed some of the musical sensations he has met since gaining prominence have been unsavoury characters, but refrained from identifying the specific musicians who he has taken a dislike to
He admitted: "Even when you meet them - I won't name names - but some of these popstars are just awful."
The 'Stay With Me' hitmaker - whose debut album 'In the Lonely Hour' was one of the best-selling records of 2014 - continued to berate the unidentified individuals by saying he would be nothing but friendly to them, despite being more famous.
He continued: "And they have not even had half the success that you've had and yet you're so humble and kind."
The comments were made while the hit musician was speaking to 'I'm Every Woman' singer Chaka Khan, who explained she felt lucky to grow up in a time without the internet as it helped her to stay down to earth.
She replied: "Well, it's people skills. Talking to a screen all day long takes the human experience out. Luckily I grew up in a time when we only had a telephone at home."
During their chat, the pair also teased a future collaboration by saying they hoped to head into the studio together to record a track.
The 61-year-old artist said: "We are definitely going to write a song together."
Speaking in V magazine, Sam added: "100%, I'm in. I was actually thinking me, you, and Mary [J Blige] would do something."
Sam Smith slams ‘awful’ stars
Sam Smith thinks some pop stars are "awful".
The 22-year-old singer has revealed some of the musical sensations he has met since gaining prominence have been unsavoury characters, but refrained from identifying the specific musicians who he has taken a dislike to
He admitted: "Even when you meet them - I won't name names - but some of these popstars are just awful."
The 'Stay With Me' hitmaker - whose debut album 'In the Lonely Hour' was one of the best-selling records of 2014 - continued to berate the unidentified individuals by saying he would be nothing but friendly to them, despite being more famous.
He continued: "And they have not even had half the success that you've had and yet you're so humble and kind."
The comments were made while the hit musician was speaking to 'I'm Every Woman' singer Chaka Khan, who explained she felt lucky to grow up in a time without the internet as it helped her to stay down to earth.
She replied: "Well, it's people skills. Talking to a screen all day long takes the human experience out. Luckily I grew up in a time when we only had a telephone at home."
During their chat, the pair also teased a future collaboration by saying they hoped to head into the studio together to record a track.
The 61-year-old artist said: "We are definitely going to write a song together."
Speaking in V magazine, Sam added: "100%, I'm in. I was actually thinking me, you, and Mary [J Blige] would do something."
Music News
Lana Del Rey has finished nine songs for her new album 'Honeymoon'.
The 29-year-old star has revealed production on her new record is "perfect" and that she's now waiting for "a few more songs to tie everything together".
Lana also explained where her new album fits in with her earlier work, saying: "It's very different from the last one [Ultraviolence] and similar to the first two, Born to Die and Paradise.
"I finished my last one in March and released it in June and I had a follow-up idea. It's growing into something I really like.
"I'm kind of enjoying sinking into this more noirish feel for this one. It's been good."
What's more, Lana confirmed her new album will feature a cover of 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood', which was made famous by Nina Simone.
She told Billboard: "After doing a cover of [the Jessie Mae Robinson track] 'The Other Woman', I like summarising the record with a jazz song. I'm having fun with my interpretation."
Meanwhile, Lana revealed recently that her biggest "inspiration" used to be New York.
The 'Born to Die' hitmaker lived in the city for eight years and it was a big influence on her songwriting until she found fame, as she now finds it harder to travel around without being recognised.
She shared: "I loved New York. When I was there it was almost my sole source of inspiration, more than any other man, writer or rapper, but it's harder for me to get around now."
Lana Del Rey close to finishing new album
Lana Del Rey has finished nine songs for her new album 'Honeymoon'.
The 29-year-old star has revealed production on her new record is "perfect" and that she's now waiting for "a few more songs to tie everything together".
Lana also explained where her new album fits in with her earlier work, saying: "It's very different from the last one [Ultraviolence] and similar to the first two, Born to Die and Paradise.
"I finished my last one in March and released it in June and I had a follow-up idea. It's growing into something I really like.
"I'm kind of enjoying sinking into this more noirish feel for this one. It's been good."
What's more, Lana confirmed her new album will feature a cover of 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood', which was made famous by Nina Simone.
She told Billboard: "After doing a cover of [the Jessie Mae Robinson track] 'The Other Woman', I like summarising the record with a jazz song. I'm having fun with my interpretation."
Meanwhile, Lana revealed recently that her biggest "inspiration" used to be New York.
The 'Born to Die' hitmaker lived in the city for eight years and it was a big influence on her songwriting until she found fame, as she now finds it harder to travel around without being recognised.
She shared: "I loved New York. When I was there it was almost my sole source of inspiration, more than any other man, writer or rapper, but it's harder for me to get around now."
Music News
will.i.am thinks Fergie's new album "is going to be awesome".
The 39-year-old rapper - who has been promoting his TV show 'The Voice' in the UK - revealed he is heading back to the US to continue working with his Black Eyed Peas bandmate on her second studio album and thinks the material is going to be better than ever.
Will - who recently announced that Black Eyed Peas are releasing a follow-up album to their 2010 offering 'The Beginning' - told Capital FM: "Fergie is making an album too though. I get with Fergie right when I land. I think all this week I'm working with Fergie and we are finishing Fergie's stuff. Fergie's stuff is going to be awesome as well."
Meanwhile, the 'I Gotta Feeling' group - which also includes Apl.de.ap and Taboo - are planning to celebrate their new album with a tour to coincide with their 20th anniversary.
He said: "We're all geared up and excited for the next year. We are recording now."
The 'Where Is The Love' hitmaker previously vowed that the group would only get back together for something "amazing" and unique.
He said: "We're doing some configuration as far as what do we do as the Peas next .
"In 2008, I was like 'Guys, electro music is sick!' And most of them were like, 'What are you talking about, electro?'
"[I said], 'There's this guy called David Guetta and there's like this underworld, we should do songs like that.'
"Now we have to do something that no one's thought of, so you're thinking like 'The Black Eyed Peas are what?' If it doesn't spark that conversation, then there's no point.
"I know we have to either emerge with something from the underground or do something no-one has thought of. Either it's amazing or I don't get it."
will.i.am teases Fergie’s ‘awesome’ new album
will.i.am thinks Fergie's new album "is going to be awesome".
The 39-year-old rapper - who has been promoting his TV show 'The Voice' in the UK - revealed he is heading back to the US to continue working with his Black Eyed Peas bandmate on her second studio album and thinks the material is going to be better than ever.
Will - who recently announced that Black Eyed Peas are releasing a follow-up album to their 2010 offering 'The Beginning' - told Capital FM: "Fergie is making an album too though. I get with Fergie right when I land. I think all this week I'm working with Fergie and we are finishing Fergie's stuff. Fergie's stuff is going to be awesome as well."
Meanwhile, the 'I Gotta Feeling' group - which also includes Apl.de.ap and Taboo - are planning to celebrate their new album with a tour to coincide with their 20th anniversary.
He said: "We're all geared up and excited for the next year. We are recording now."
The 'Where Is The Love' hitmaker previously vowed that the group would only get back together for something "amazing" and unique.
He said: "We're doing some configuration as far as what do we do as the Peas next .
"In 2008, I was like 'Guys, electro music is sick!' And most of them were like, 'What are you talking about, electro?'
"[I said], 'There's this guy called David Guetta and there's like this underworld, we should do songs like that.'
"Now we have to do something that no one's thought of, so you're thinking like 'The Black Eyed Peas are what?' If it doesn't spark that conversation, then there's no point.
"I know we have to either emerge with something from the underground or do something no-one has thought of. Either it's amazing or I don't get it."
Music News
Adam Lambert wants to keep Freddie Mercury's "memory alive" when he performs with Queen.
The former 'American Idol' star sings with the legendary band live and has won rave reviews for his performances as the group's frontman.
Adam insists he never tries to imitate or replace Freddie - who died in 1991 at the age of 45 - on stage and his main motivation for singing with Queen is to keep his idol's wonderful music alive.
The 32-year-old rocker said: "There's never going to be another (Freddie), and I'm not replacing him. That's not what I'm doing. I'm trying to keep the memory alive, and remind people how amazing he was, without imitating him. I'm trying to share with the audience how much he inspired me."
Queen guitarist Brian May has praised Adam's vocal abilities, and says he is the first singer he has worked with since Freddie's passing who can perform all of their songs.
Speaking to the new issue of Classic Rock magazine, he enthused: "Adam is the first person we've encountered who can do all the Queen catalogue without blinking. He is a gift from god."
Drummer Roger Taylor is also blown away by Adam's talent, adding: "(His voice is) one in a billion ... He's incredibly musical, and we certainly take anything he says quite seriously."
Queen's concerts still feature Freddie, as they use video recordings of him singing on certain tracks, and Brian admits it's important for them to pay tribute to their friend without getting too nostalgic.
The musician said: "We've been on tour in the States with Adam, and Freddie's already there because of the writing, and the original performances that we model the show on. But he's there also in a much more tangible way, because we use video footage. It's nice to feel he's part of it, without being swamped by nostalgia. I think we tread that line quite tastefully and carefully."
Queen and Adam Lambert kick off their European arena tour - for which tickets are still available - next week on January 13 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.
Adam Lambert wants to honour Freddie Mercury
Adam Lambert wants to keep Freddie Mercury's "memory alive" when he performs with Queen.
The former 'American Idol' star sings with the legendary band live and has won rave reviews for his performances as the group's frontman.
Adam insists he never tries to imitate or replace Freddie - who died in 1991 at the age of 45 - on stage and his main motivation for singing with Queen is to keep his idol's wonderful music alive.
The 32-year-old rocker said: "There's never going to be another (Freddie), and I'm not replacing him. That's not what I'm doing. I'm trying to keep the memory alive, and remind people how amazing he was, without imitating him. I'm trying to share with the audience how much he inspired me."
Queen guitarist Brian May has praised Adam's vocal abilities, and says he is the first singer he has worked with since Freddie's passing who can perform all of their songs.
Speaking to the new issue of Classic Rock magazine, he enthused: "Adam is the first person we've encountered who can do all the Queen catalogue without blinking. He is a gift from god."
Drummer Roger Taylor is also blown away by Adam's talent, adding: "(His voice is) one in a billion ... He's incredibly musical, and we certainly take anything he says quite seriously."
Queen's concerts still feature Freddie, as they use video recordings of him singing on certain tracks, and Brian admits it's important for them to pay tribute to their friend without getting too nostalgic.
The musician said: "We've been on tour in the States with Adam, and Freddie's already there because of the writing, and the original performances that we model the show on. But he's there also in a much more tangible way, because we use video footage. It's nice to feel he's part of it, without being swamped by nostalgia. I think we tread that line quite tastefully and carefully."
Queen and Adam Lambert kick off their European arena tour - for which tickets are still available - next week on January 13 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.
Music News
Courtney Love is bored of rock 'n' roll.
The hellraising singer realised she had to walk away from the genre that made her a star while on stage in Australia last year when she felt dismayed having to perform her old songs.
Recalling the gig, she said: "I got to that part where I'm looking down at the set list going, 'Really, 'Malibu' next? Are we halfway done yet?' And when that happens in rock 'n' roll, it's like, 'OK, I've got to look at something else. Because I'm not loving this. I'm not in the moment. Forget persona, forget who is new and who is old, your mojo is your mojo."
After deciding to turn her back on rock, Courtney was inspired to try something completely new which led her to landing a role in Todd Almond's pop opera 'Kansas City Choir Boy'.
The 50-year-old musician insists the show - which opens at the Prototype Festival in New York on Thursday (08.01.14) - has given her a new lease of life because it's a totally new challenge for her.
Courtney hopes she and Todd can take the production to other cities if it is well received.
The former Hole rocker - the widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain - said: "It's baptism by fire, but I'm going to hang in and give it my best ... I've never done musical theatre - I really wanted to do theatre, but probably I'm not ready to do a play quite yet. Fortuitously, Todd wrote this thing eight years ago, and I met him and I fell in love with it ... It's like putting out a single. If it gets catchy, then we do it in London or something. If it doesn't, it doesn't. We think it's really catchy and fabulous."
Courtney Love is bored of rock ‘n’ roll
Courtney Love is bored of rock 'n' roll.
The hellraising singer realised she had to walk away from the genre that made her a star while on stage in Australia last year when she felt dismayed having to perform her old songs.
Recalling the gig, she said: "I got to that part where I'm looking down at the set list going, 'Really, 'Malibu' next? Are we halfway done yet?' And when that happens in rock 'n' roll, it's like, 'OK, I've got to look at something else. Because I'm not loving this. I'm not in the moment. Forget persona, forget who is new and who is old, your mojo is your mojo."
After deciding to turn her back on rock, Courtney was inspired to try something completely new which led her to landing a role in Todd Almond's pop opera 'Kansas City Choir Boy'.
The 50-year-old musician insists the show - which opens at the Prototype Festival in New York on Thursday (08.01.14) - has given her a new lease of life because it's a totally new challenge for her.
Courtney hopes she and Todd can take the production to other cities if it is well received.
The former Hole rocker - the widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain - said: "It's baptism by fire, but I'm going to hang in and give it my best ... I've never done musical theatre - I really wanted to do theatre, but probably I'm not ready to do a play quite yet. Fortuitously, Todd wrote this thing eight years ago, and I met him and I fell in love with it ... It's like putting out a single. If it gets catchy, then we do it in London or something. If it doesn't, it doesn't. We think it's really catchy and fabulous."
Music News
Mariah Carey has landed a multimillion dollar deal to perform in Las Vegas.
The ''#Beautiful' singer is in negotiations with Caesars Palace for a performing stint that will reportedly earn her more than the $30 million Britney Spears is receiving for her two-year residency in the gambling capital of the US, the New York Post newspaper's Page Six column reports.
Once the deal if confirmed, Mariah is expected to take to the stage in Las Vegas before the end of this year.
If the deal goes ahead, it seems Mariah - who has three-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with estranged husband Nick Cannon - has had a change of heart as it was claimed in November she was looking for a "mini residency" outside of the city.
A source said: "Mariah doesn't want to go to Vegas. She put out feelers to the Borgata in Atlantic City and the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut about a mini residency.
"She wants a stable, high-paying gig that will keep her close to her New York home. Mariah is crossing her fingers that she can figure out a way to make money on her own turf."
Mariah Carey to accept Las Vegas residency
Mariah Carey has landed a multimillion dollar deal to perform in Las Vegas.
The ''#Beautiful' singer is in negotiations with Caesars Palace for a performing stint that will reportedly earn her more than the $30 million Britney Spears is receiving for her two-year residency in the gambling capital of the US, the New York Post newspaper's Page Six column reports.
Once the deal if confirmed, Mariah is expected to take to the stage in Las Vegas before the end of this year.
If the deal goes ahead, it seems Mariah - who has three-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with estranged husband Nick Cannon - has had a change of heart as it was claimed in November she was looking for a "mini residency" outside of the city.
A source said: "Mariah doesn't want to go to Vegas. She put out feelers to the Borgata in Atlantic City and the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut about a mini residency.
"She wants a stable, high-paying gig that will keep her close to her New York home. Mariah is crossing her fingers that she can figure out a way to make money on her own turf."
Music News
Eminem is being sued for $8 million.
The 42-year-old rapper and his record label are the subject of legal action from Raymond Jones, an MC from the group Hotstylz, who has alleged the star has sampled one of his songs without permission.
According to TMZ, the case claims Eminem's song 'Rap God', from his 'Marshall Mathers LP 2', features a 25-second clip from Raymond's track 'Lookin Boy' and he wants to be compensated financially for the unauthorised use.
A spokesperson for Eminem has not yet commented on the allegations.
In September, 'Rap God' made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most words in a hit single, with the six minute, four seconds-long track totting up 1,560 words.
Eminem recently admitted he loves performing live with musicians because he thinks they add a new element to his sound.
He said: "It's definitely better, it definitely brings a whole new element to it. There are more things to do with your hands. It's a whole different energy, it's louder, it's more in your face, it's more explosive. For me, music is about feeling and energy and all that.
"We always try to mess around with the order of things. There are certain songs that just, for some reason or another, they don't work as good live. You have to go with the ones that work best to perform live. Sometimes we'll [also] add ones in we haven't done in a while."
Eminem sued
Eminem is being sued for $8 million.
The 42-year-old rapper and his record label are the subject of legal action from Raymond Jones, an MC from the group Hotstylz, who has alleged the star has sampled one of his songs without permission.
According to TMZ, the case claims Eminem's song 'Rap God', from his 'Marshall Mathers LP 2', features a 25-second clip from Raymond's track 'Lookin Boy' and he wants to be compensated financially for the unauthorised use.
A spokesperson for Eminem has not yet commented on the allegations.
In September, 'Rap God' made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most words in a hit single, with the six minute, four seconds-long track totting up 1,560 words.
Eminem recently admitted he loves performing live with musicians because he thinks they add a new element to his sound.
He said: "It's definitely better, it definitely brings a whole new element to it. There are more things to do with your hands. It's a whole different energy, it's louder, it's more in your face, it's more explosive. For me, music is about feeling and energy and all that.
"We always try to mess around with the order of things. There are certain songs that just, for some reason or another, they don't work as good live. You have to go with the ones that work best to perform live. Sometimes we'll [also] add ones in we haven't done in a while."