Music News
Music News
U2 "didn't earn much" from their new album.
The Irish rockers gave away 'Songs of Innocence' to iTunes users because they felt their fans "deserved" to have the record for free, and admit even Apple were shocked by the scale of their generosity.
Frontman Bono told Italian TV show 'Che Tempo Che Fa?': "It is a very difficult time for songwriters because people download music in an illegal way. Apple wanted people pay to for music and we really appreciate it. We spoke to Apple and we decided to do a gift to those who purchase music on iTunes.
"We shared the whole album and Apple were quite shocked about it. I said to them 'You pay the album and then you can give it to the people for free'.
"We obviously didn't earn much but we're happy that a lot of fans can have a chance to listen to our latest album for free. They deserve it. "
Guitarist The Edge recently admitted he had "doubts" about the move to give away the album.
He said: "I absolutely had my doubts about it before we did it, and after, but it was the right thing to do. It was an opportunity that will only ever come around once for anybody. I don't think anybody would want to do it again."
U2 didn’t profit from download
U2 "didn't earn much" from their new album.
The Irish rockers gave away 'Songs of Innocence' to iTunes users because they felt their fans "deserved" to have the record for free, and admit even Apple were shocked by the scale of their generosity.
Frontman Bono told Italian TV show 'Che Tempo Che Fa?': "It is a very difficult time for songwriters because people download music in an illegal way. Apple wanted people pay to for music and we really appreciate it. We spoke to Apple and we decided to do a gift to those who purchase music on iTunes.
"We shared the whole album and Apple were quite shocked about it. I said to them 'You pay the album and then you can give it to the people for free'.
"We obviously didn't earn much but we're happy that a lot of fans can have a chance to listen to our latest album for free. They deserve it. "
Guitarist The Edge recently admitted he had "doubts" about the move to give away the album.
He said: "I absolutely had my doubts about it before we did it, and after, but it was the right thing to do. It was an opportunity that will only ever come around once for anybody. I don't think anybody would want to do it again."
Music News
Ella Eyre's debut album is 'pretty much done'.
The 20-year-old has finally finished working on her first record but wants to be a more well-known artist in her own right before she release the collection.
She told BANG Showbiz: "It's pretty much done, it was done earlier on this year but because I'm on tour so much and also I'm going away to America for a month I'm not able to promote it really,
"I think I want people to hear some more music and for me to establish myself a bit more before I release my very first project into the world."
The 'Comeback' singer rose to fame with 'Waiting All Night' - her high-profile collaboration on with drum and bass quartet Rudimental - which topped the UK singles chart in 2013, but has suggested that there won't be any other famous names singing alongside her on her own debut.
When asked if there will be any collaborations on the album, she said: "Not necessarily, no, because I think, y'know, last year I did a lot of features and collaborations and I think it was a question of this year, establishing myself as a solo artist."
Despite not wanting other artists on her album, she praised Rudimental for allowing her to tour with them when she was starting out, claiming it has been beneficial in helping her learn who she is as a musician.
She gushed: "From being a featured artist I've been able to experience things that not a lot of new artists get to experience."
Ella Eyre’s album is ready
Ella Eyre's debut album is 'pretty much done'.
The 20-year-old has finally finished working on her first record but wants to be a more well-known artist in her own right before she release the collection.
She told BANG Showbiz: "It's pretty much done, it was done earlier on this year but because I'm on tour so much and also I'm going away to America for a month I'm not able to promote it really,
"I think I want people to hear some more music and for me to establish myself a bit more before I release my very first project into the world."
The 'Comeback' singer rose to fame with 'Waiting All Night' - her high-profile collaboration on with drum and bass quartet Rudimental - which topped the UK singles chart in 2013, but has suggested that there won't be any other famous names singing alongside her on her own debut.
When asked if there will be any collaborations on the album, she said: "Not necessarily, no, because I think, y'know, last year I did a lot of features and collaborations and I think it was a question of this year, establishing myself as a solo artist."
Despite not wanting other artists on her album, she praised Rudimental for allowing her to tour with them when she was starting out, claiming it has been beneficial in helping her learn who she is as a musician.
She gushed: "From being a featured artist I've been able to experience things that not a lot of new artists get to experience."
Music News
Robert Plant won't reform Led Zeppelin just to be popular with fans.
The 66-year-old singer knows his bandmate Jimmy Page wants reunite the group again and he is aware thousands of fans want it to happen but he won't do it to please other people because he's happy with his solo career.
Speaking about the chances of a reunion happening, Plant said: "If I really wanted to be loved by the public, I know what I'd have to do, which I'm not going to do - so I have nothing to lose.
"Anyone who is famous is dealing with the same s**t. It's just a question of how you deal with it. Now I can see how ridiculous I am, or at least, was. Am I a pop singer, a rock singer, the guy from Led Zeppelin? Actually I'm just a bloke with the facility to get out all these emotions within the musical company I'm keeping. And I'm burning every bridge as I go."
Plant last played with Led Zeppelin in 2007 at a tribute concert for Ahmet Ertegün - the music executive who signed them to Atlantic Records - reuniting with guitarist Page and bassist John Paul Jones, while Jason Bonham filled in for his late father John Bonham on drums.
Although he has no interest in reforming the band, the vocalist doesn't want to turn his back on the rockers' legacy and plays altered versions of classic Led Zeppelin tracks at his live shows.
Plant - who recently released his latest solo LP
'Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar' - was also heavily involved in the recent re-issues of their first three albums and was proud to be so.
In an interview with The Times newspaper, he said: "Doing mutations of the old numbers (live) is a way of getting people through the door. It's fine to use Zeppelin songs and combine them with new material, because if you play with the same intent all the way through, they're alive ... Also, we all worked on the re-issues. We all put the time into finding old photographs in whatever barns they happened to be hidden away in. I'm proud of mostly everything I've done, even the funny haircuts in the 1980s."
Robert Plant: I won’t reform Zeppelin to be popular
Robert Plant won't reform Led Zeppelin just to be popular with fans.
The 66-year-old singer knows his bandmate Jimmy Page wants reunite the group again and he is aware thousands of fans want it to happen but he won't do it to please other people because he's happy with his solo career.
Speaking about the chances of a reunion happening, Plant said: "If I really wanted to be loved by the public, I know what I'd have to do, which I'm not going to do - so I have nothing to lose.
"Anyone who is famous is dealing with the same s**t. It's just a question of how you deal with it. Now I can see how ridiculous I am, or at least, was. Am I a pop singer, a rock singer, the guy from Led Zeppelin? Actually I'm just a bloke with the facility to get out all these emotions within the musical company I'm keeping. And I'm burning every bridge as I go."
Plant last played with Led Zeppelin in 2007 at a tribute concert for Ahmet Ertegün - the music executive who signed them to Atlantic Records - reuniting with guitarist Page and bassist John Paul Jones, while Jason Bonham filled in for his late father John Bonham on drums.
Although he has no interest in reforming the band, the vocalist doesn't want to turn his back on the rockers' legacy and plays altered versions of classic Led Zeppelin tracks at his live shows.
Plant - who recently released his latest solo LP
'Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar' - was also heavily involved in the recent re-issues of their first three albums and was proud to be so.
In an interview with The Times newspaper, he said: "Doing mutations of the old numbers (live) is a way of getting people through the door. It's fine to use Zeppelin songs and combine them with new material, because if you play with the same intent all the way through, they're alive ... Also, we all worked on the re-issues. We all put the time into finding old photographs in whatever barns they happened to be hidden away in. I'm proud of mostly everything I've done, even the funny haircuts in the 1980s."
Music News
Ed Sheeran has written 40 songs about a painful break-up.
The 'A-Team' hitmaker penned the emotionally raw tracks following his split from the unidentified girl last year but refuses to release the songs as they are "a bit too dark".
He told The Daily Mail newspaper: "There's an entire relationship last year that no one knows about. I probably wrote 40 songs about that. I haven't used them because they were a bit too dark. It was just anger and pain. I like my songs to have a bit of musicality."
The 23-year-old singer is no stranger to channelling his emotions through his music and is thought to have written his latest hit 'Don't' after his former love interest Ellie Goulding allegedly cheated on him with One Direction's Niall Horan.
Ed - who has never confirmed the rumours - doesn't regret releasing the song, but admitted he may have felt differently if it hadn't been such a success.
He explained: "People jumped to that conclusion because I put the line 'we make money in the same way' in, but who is to say that wasn't about my property investment? It could have been about a property developed from Slough.
When asked if he regretted writing the track, Ed said: "I think if it hadn't been a hit I would have done. In retrospect it worked out for me. It elevated my career."
Ed Sheeran writes ‘dark’ break-up songs
Ed Sheeran has written 40 songs about a painful break-up.
The 'A-Team' hitmaker penned the emotionally raw tracks following his split from the unidentified girl last year but refuses to release the songs as they are "a bit too dark".
He told The Daily Mail newspaper: "There's an entire relationship last year that no one knows about. I probably wrote 40 songs about that. I haven't used them because they were a bit too dark. It was just anger and pain. I like my songs to have a bit of musicality."
The 23-year-old singer is no stranger to channelling his emotions through his music and is thought to have written his latest hit 'Don't' after his former love interest Ellie Goulding allegedly cheated on him with One Direction's Niall Horan.
Ed - who has never confirmed the rumours - doesn't regret releasing the song, but admitted he may have felt differently if it hadn't been such a success.
He explained: "People jumped to that conclusion because I put the line 'we make money in the same way' in, but who is to say that wasn't about my property investment? It could have been about a property developed from Slough.
When asked if he regretted writing the track, Ed said: "I think if it hadn't been a hit I would have done. In retrospect it worked out for me. It elevated my career."
Music News
Kwabs performed a stellar set to a sell-out crowd at KOKO in London on Thursday (16.10.14).
The rising star played for almost and hour at the iconic Camden venue in a one-off show during which he performed tracks from his EPs and showcased new music.
The 24-year-old musician also praised his long-term collaborator, SOHN, who has produced his tracks including 'Wrong or Right' and 'Last Stand', and premiered a new song titled 'Look Over Your Shoulder' which the pair have worked on together.
He told the crowd: "I've had the great opportunity of working with so many people over the last two years, one of whom, you'll know his song.
"We met earlier this year in Vienna to make some more things. Do you want to hear some of these things?"
Elsewhere in his set, the soul singer showed off his slick, urban dance moves as he played a new track which he said was inspired by Michael Jackson, but slowed things down with a stunning stripped back performance of his self-penned tearjerker 'Perfect Ruin', which was met with rapturous applause thanks to his powerful vocals.
After playing his most recent single 'Walk', the Bermondsey lad pleased the hoards of adoring fans with an encore of crowd favourite 'Wrong or Right' and a cover of James Blake's enigmatic single 'The Wilhelm Scream'.
Kwabs setlist:
'Pray For Love'
'Love and War
'Into You'
'Lay Back'
'Saved'
'Look Over Your Shoulder'
'Last Stand'
'My Own'
'Make You Mine'
'Forgiven'
'Perfect Ruin'
'Walk'
Encore:
'Wrong Or Right'
'Wilhelm Scream'
Kwabs wows London crowd
Kwabs performed a stellar set to a sell-out crowd at KOKO in London on Thursday (16.10.14).
The rising star played for almost and hour at the iconic Camden venue in a one-off show during which he performed tracks from his EPs and showcased new music.
The 24-year-old musician also praised his long-term collaborator, SOHN, who has produced his tracks including 'Wrong or Right' and 'Last Stand', and premiered a new song titled 'Look Over Your Shoulder' which the pair have worked on together.
He told the crowd: "I've had the great opportunity of working with so many people over the last two years, one of whom, you'll know his song.
"We met earlier this year in Vienna to make some more things. Do you want to hear some of these things?"
Elsewhere in his set, the soul singer showed off his slick, urban dance moves as he played a new track which he said was inspired by Michael Jackson, but slowed things down with a stunning stripped back performance of his self-penned tearjerker 'Perfect Ruin', which was met with rapturous applause thanks to his powerful vocals.
After playing his most recent single 'Walk', the Bermondsey lad pleased the hoards of adoring fans with an encore of crowd favourite 'Wrong or Right' and a cover of James Blake's enigmatic single 'The Wilhelm Scream'.
Kwabs setlist:
'Pray For Love'
'Love and War
'Into You'
'Lay Back'
'Saved'
'Look Over Your Shoulder'
'Last Stand'
'My Own'
'Make You Mine'
'Forgiven'
'Perfect Ruin'
'Walk'
Encore:
'Wrong Or Right'
'Wilhelm Scream'
Music News
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has embraced philosophy for her new album.
The 31-year-old pop star has featured an excerpt from philosopher Alan Watts on her new album, after being inspired by the guru during her musical hiatus.
'The X Factor' judge was inspired by the influential thinker after being introduced to his work by a friend last year, and feels it is so profound that she has added some of his words to her upcoming record 'Only Human'.
Talking about the moment she was introduced to the philosopher's work, she told The Sun newspaper: "It really made me think."
Expanding on why she was such a fan of the late philosopher, she explained that he posed questions which "a lot of people ask themselves when they're not sure what they want to do in life. He says 'Whatever you want your life to be, live it'. I was really moved by it".
The excerpt from an audiobook of Watts' work will open the stunning singer's fourth studio album, and reflecting on how money does not necessarily bring happiness.
In the introduction, Watts shares: "I always ask the question. What would you like to do if money was no object? How would you really enjoy spending your life? If you say getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time."
The 'Crazy Stupid Love' singer's album will be released on November 7, preceded by the record's second single 'I Don't Care' on November 2.
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini embraces philosophy on new album
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has embraced philosophy for her new album.
The 31-year-old pop star has featured an excerpt from philosopher Alan Watts on her new album, after being inspired by the guru during her musical hiatus.
'The X Factor' judge was inspired by the influential thinker after being introduced to his work by a friend last year, and feels it is so profound that she has added some of his words to her upcoming record 'Only Human'.
Talking about the moment she was introduced to the philosopher's work, she told The Sun newspaper: "It really made me think."
Expanding on why she was such a fan of the late philosopher, she explained that he posed questions which "a lot of people ask themselves when they're not sure what they want to do in life. He says 'Whatever you want your life to be, live it'. I was really moved by it".
The excerpt from an audiobook of Watts' work will open the stunning singer's fourth studio album, and reflecting on how money does not necessarily bring happiness.
In the introduction, Watts shares: "I always ask the question. What would you like to do if money was no object? How would you really enjoy spending your life? If you say getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time."
The 'Crazy Stupid Love' singer's album will be released on November 7, preceded by the record's second single 'I Don't Care' on November 2.
Music News
Ashton Irwin has been discharged from hospital after having his appendix removed.
The 5 Seconds of Summer star underwent surgery at a medical facility in his native Australia on Tuesday (14.10.14) after developing appendicitis.
The operation was a success and he has now been allowed to return home to recuperate but he will not be well enough to travel to the UK for the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards on Sunday (19.10.14) and will be taking a break from the band's commitments in Britain and Japan.
The 20-year-old drummer recently took to Twitter to tell his three million followers he would make it up to them for missing the shows.
He wrote: "Sup guys! I'm so sorry too anyone I've let down, I promise we will make it up too ya! I'll be better soon, thanks for all the love xx (sic)."
The 'She Looks So Perfect' hitmakers announced the news on their website earlier this week, writing: "Ashton has come down with a case of appendicitis and had to have an operation. He's doing great and will be back up & running in no time, but he'll need to rest up for the next week or so.
"Unfortunately this means that we'll no longer be able to fly back to the UK this weekend for the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards. We will also be postponing next week's trip to Japan (more info to come soon). We are so sorry to everyone that had planned on seeing us. We were so excited to come see you all and we never want to make any of you sad ... We hope you understand!"
Ashton was struck down with the illness very suddenly, as just a day before he was hospitalised the young star claimed to be having "a blast" in is home country.
He tweeted: "Love you Aussies, good to be home, havin a blast xx (sic)."
5SOS star Ashton Irwin leaves hospital
Ashton Irwin has been discharged from hospital after having his appendix removed.
The 5 Seconds of Summer star underwent surgery at a medical facility in his native Australia on Tuesday (14.10.14) after developing appendicitis.
The operation was a success and he has now been allowed to return home to recuperate but he will not be well enough to travel to the UK for the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards on Sunday (19.10.14) and will be taking a break from the band's commitments in Britain and Japan.
The 20-year-old drummer recently took to Twitter to tell his three million followers he would make it up to them for missing the shows.
He wrote: "Sup guys! I'm so sorry too anyone I've let down, I promise we will make it up too ya! I'll be better soon, thanks for all the love xx (sic)."
The 'She Looks So Perfect' hitmakers announced the news on their website earlier this week, writing: "Ashton has come down with a case of appendicitis and had to have an operation. He's doing great and will be back up & running in no time, but he'll need to rest up for the next week or so.
"Unfortunately this means that we'll no longer be able to fly back to the UK this weekend for the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards. We will also be postponing next week's trip to Japan (more info to come soon). We are so sorry to everyone that had planned on seeing us. We were so excited to come see you all and we never want to make any of you sad ... We hope you understand!"
Ashton was struck down with the illness very suddenly, as just a day before he was hospitalised the young star claimed to be having "a blast" in is home country.
He tweeted: "Love you Aussies, good to be home, havin a blast xx (sic)."
Music News
George Ezra was "nervous" working with Sir Ian McKellen.
The 21-year-old musician admitted that he was anxious about acting alongside the 'Lord of the Rings' star as part of his music video for his single 'Listen To The Man'.
Talking to the Daily Mirror, George said: "It was nerve-racking trying to act beside him. I'm not an actor and he's phenomenal."
However, the singer-songwriter did joke that the legendary actor was a little off-putting because he couldn't resist hogging the camera.
George said: "He just keeps butting in and p***ing me off and stealing the camera. In real life, I hate being on camera but in the video, that frustrates me."
The soulful singer then invited Sir Ian to come to his next gig in Shepherd's Bush, to which the 75-year-old actor quipped: "Is there any chance you can play closer to Limehouse?"
On Wednesday (15.10.14), George made reference to an iconic quote from Sir Ian's 'LOTR' character Gandalf. He tweeted: "You shall not pass."
George Ezra teams up with Sir Ian McKellen
George Ezra was "nervous" working with Sir Ian McKellen.
The 21-year-old musician admitted that he was anxious about acting alongside the 'Lord of the Rings' star as part of his music video for his single 'Listen To The Man'.
Talking to the Daily Mirror, George said: "It was nerve-racking trying to act beside him. I'm not an actor and he's phenomenal."
However, the singer-songwriter did joke that the legendary actor was a little off-putting because he couldn't resist hogging the camera.
George said: "He just keeps butting in and p***ing me off and stealing the camera. In real life, I hate being on camera but in the video, that frustrates me."
The soulful singer then invited Sir Ian to come to his next gig in Shepherd's Bush, to which the 75-year-old actor quipped: "Is there any chance you can play closer to Limehouse?"
On Wednesday (15.10.14), George made reference to an iconic quote from Sir Ian's 'LOTR' character Gandalf. He tweeted: "You shall not pass."
Music News
Jessie J says her parents are her "best friends" and are always totally honest with her when it comes to her career.
The 'Keep Us Together' singer says the first people she'll always call when she needs advice or support are her mother Rose and dad Stephen and even at 28 she still relies on them for help.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I have two best friends that go by the name of mum and dad, I actually like them as people. I know that isn't always the case. You don't choose your family. You love them but don't have to like them but luckily I like my mum and dad and my sisters and they're always there when I need them. Even if I phone them and go, 'I need to talk to you about work but I need to not talk to you about work. Talk to me about anything but Jessie J.' They're always there."
Jessie - who has just released her third album 'Sweet Talker' - says her parents aren't nervous about criticising her or telling when they think she's doing something wrong with her music.
The 'Bang Bang' hitmaker added: "They're always there for me when I need a hug or food in my fridge or an inspirational talk or even a telling off.
"I always phone my mum and dad and go, 'How was the interview? Was it OK? What did you think?' Or, 'What did you think of this?' And they're always honest. My mum and my best friend and two of the most honest people in my life.
"The other day I recorded an acoustic song and I was like 'How was it?' And everyone was like, 'Yeah that was wicked.' And my best friend said, 'I've heard you sing it better, I think you should do it again.' And I agreed. They're the people that I want around me. People that really are honest. I need that and that's what I have in my family, my team and my close friends."
Jessie J’s parents are her ‘best friends’
Jessie J says her parents are her "best friends" and are always totally honest with her when it comes to her career.
The 'Keep Us Together' singer says the first people she'll always call when she needs advice or support are her mother Rose and dad Stephen and even at 28 she still relies on them for help.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I have two best friends that go by the name of mum and dad, I actually like them as people. I know that isn't always the case. You don't choose your family. You love them but don't have to like them but luckily I like my mum and dad and my sisters and they're always there when I need them. Even if I phone them and go, 'I need to talk to you about work but I need to not talk to you about work. Talk to me about anything but Jessie J.' They're always there."
Jessie - who has just released her third album 'Sweet Talker' - says her parents aren't nervous about criticising her or telling when they think she's doing something wrong with her music.
The 'Bang Bang' hitmaker added: "They're always there for me when I need a hug or food in my fridge or an inspirational talk or even a telling off.
"I always phone my mum and dad and go, 'How was the interview? Was it OK? What did you think?' Or, 'What did you think of this?' And they're always honest. My mum and my best friend and two of the most honest people in my life.
"The other day I recorded an acoustic song and I was like 'How was it?' And everyone was like, 'Yeah that was wicked.' And my best friend said, 'I've heard you sing it better, I think you should do it again.' And I agreed. They're the people that I want around me. People that really are honest. I need that and that's what I have in my family, my team and my close friends."