Music News
Music News
Ariana Grande has hinted her new song 'Problem' is about ex-boyfriend Nathan Sykes.
The 'Baby I' singer, who dated The Wanted star and teamed up with rapper Iggy Azalea for the track about a past love, admits she also was reluctant to use the song before being persuaded by her label.
She told Billboard: "'Problem' truly represents the feeling of being absolutely terrified to re-approach a relationship that's gone sour, but you want to more than anything.
"In the song, it ends on a sappy, negative note, but in [real] life, we're hoping it's going to end on a positive one. I feel like it's all very honest and human."
In January, the 20-year-old singer, who dated Nathan for about four months, revealed the pair's break-up in December was amicable and insists he's a really good friend.
She said: "I am so glad to have met him and have a friend like him in my life. He's an amazing person. It was very civil. It was mutual."
Meanwhile, the star's new track 'Problem' has broken an iTunes record when it shot to the top of the US iTunes chart in record time following its release on Monday (28.04.14).
Ariana wrote on Twitter: "loves u broke a record! Problem is now the fastest song to ever climb to no 1 on @iTunesmusic only 37 minute u are the most amazing (sic)"
Ariana Grande’s new track is about ex-boyfriend
Ariana Grande has hinted her new song 'Problem' is about ex-boyfriend Nathan Sykes.
The 'Baby I' singer, who dated The Wanted star and teamed up with rapper Iggy Azalea for the track about a past love, admits she also was reluctant to use the song before being persuaded by her label.
She told Billboard: "'Problem' truly represents the feeling of being absolutely terrified to re-approach a relationship that's gone sour, but you want to more than anything.
"In the song, it ends on a sappy, negative note, but in [real] life, we're hoping it's going to end on a positive one. I feel like it's all very honest and human."
In January, the 20-year-old singer, who dated Nathan for about four months, revealed the pair's break-up in December was amicable and insists he's a really good friend.
She said: "I am so glad to have met him and have a friend like him in my life. He's an amazing person. It was very civil. It was mutual."
Meanwhile, the star's new track 'Problem' has broken an iTunes record when it shot to the top of the US iTunes chart in record time following its release on Monday (28.04.14).
Ariana wrote on Twitter: "loves u broke a record! Problem is now the fastest song to ever climb to no 1 on @iTunesmusic only 37 minute u are the most amazing (sic)"
Music News
Little Mix stars Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards have been seeing a voice coach ahead of their US tour.
The 'Wings' group - also made up of Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock - are set to perform their first North American headline tour later this year but Jade and Perrie, from South Shields, North East England, are worried people won't be able to understand their strong regional accents and have been working on their pronunciation of certain words.
A source told The Daily Star newspaper: "The girls have been having voice coaching as their bosses are worried that the Americans won't understand Perrie and Jade."
The band previously spoke about leaving interviewers Stateside baffled during promo and they will be on TV and radio again during the upcoming tour.
Jade said: "I hope they can understand me. I've had to slow down my talking a bit and sound a bit more proper - even my name they don't understand.
"At radio stations they call me Jeed because they can't get Jade."
The group's 'Salute' tour kicks off in Florida on September 10 and the announcement puts paid to speculation Little Mix will support One Direction - which features Perry Edwards' fiance Zayn Malik - on their 'Where We Are' tour.
Jade described the 16-date tour as a "dream come true" when the news was announced.
She tweeted: "So glad the #SaluteTourUSA is out there,couldn't hold it in any longer! #dreamcometrue thanks to our mixers for makin it possible! Xxjadexx.(sic)"
Little Mix stars seeing voice coach for US tour
Little Mix stars Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards have been seeing a voice coach ahead of their US tour.
The 'Wings' group - also made up of Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock - are set to perform their first North American headline tour later this year but Jade and Perrie, from South Shields, North East England, are worried people won't be able to understand their strong regional accents and have been working on their pronunciation of certain words.
A source told The Daily Star newspaper: "The girls have been having voice coaching as their bosses are worried that the Americans won't understand Perrie and Jade."
The band previously spoke about leaving interviewers Stateside baffled during promo and they will be on TV and radio again during the upcoming tour.
Jade said: "I hope they can understand me. I've had to slow down my talking a bit and sound a bit more proper - even my name they don't understand.
"At radio stations they call me Jeed because they can't get Jade."
The group's 'Salute' tour kicks off in Florida on September 10 and the announcement puts paid to speculation Little Mix will support One Direction - which features Perry Edwards' fiance Zayn Malik - on their 'Where We Are' tour.
Jade described the 16-date tour as a "dream come true" when the news was announced.
She tweeted: "So glad the #SaluteTourUSA is out there,couldn't hold it in any longer! #dreamcometrue thanks to our mixers for makin it possible! Xxjadexx.(sic)"
Music News
Ed Sheeran has hit out at the Backstreet Boys for playing new music at their reunion shows instead of classic hits.
The 'Sing' hitmaker slammed the 90s US boyband - made up of Brian Littrell, A.J McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson - for letting their fans down by performing new material during their 20th Anniversary Tour.
Ed told The Sun newspaper: "I study how other people perform and that is unacceptable, as the Backstreet Boys have so many hits. Do not do that ever again, that is not fair."
After hearing frontman Brian also played an acoustic set to open the band's show, the 23-year-old singer was particularly upset.
He said: "No mate - do that if you have your own gig, Brian. I played the Royal Albert Hall and did two new songs, but I know that's what people want. The Backstreet Boys, what are they doing? Play your hits.
"If you're a proper muso and people go to your gigs to witness your musicianship, a la Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, do it. But if you're a pop star play your pop songs."
Ed insists he is a fan of the 'I Want It That Way' hitmakers, but claims he wouldn't go to a gig if they didn't play the hits.
He added: "That would really annoy me. Like when I saw Justin Timberlake, it was one of the best shows I ever watched as it was back-to-back hits, people need to do that much more.
"I went to see Paul McCartney and I knew every song, hit after hit."
Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys will kick off the North American leg of their tour on May 3, followed by another European leg a month later before wrapping up the gigs in Poland in July.
Ed Sheeran slams Backstreet Boys for not playing hits
Ed Sheeran has hit out at the Backstreet Boys for playing new music at their reunion shows instead of classic hits.
The 'Sing' hitmaker slammed the 90s US boyband - made up of Brian Littrell, A.J McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson - for letting their fans down by performing new material during their 20th Anniversary Tour.
Ed told The Sun newspaper: "I study how other people perform and that is unacceptable, as the Backstreet Boys have so many hits. Do not do that ever again, that is not fair."
After hearing frontman Brian also played an acoustic set to open the band's show, the 23-year-old singer was particularly upset.
He said: "No mate - do that if you have your own gig, Brian. I played the Royal Albert Hall and did two new songs, but I know that's what people want. The Backstreet Boys, what are they doing? Play your hits.
"If you're a proper muso and people go to your gigs to witness your musicianship, a la Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, do it. But if you're a pop star play your pop songs."
Ed insists he is a fan of the 'I Want It That Way' hitmakers, but claims he wouldn't go to a gig if they didn't play the hits.
He added: "That would really annoy me. Like when I saw Justin Timberlake, it was one of the best shows I ever watched as it was back-to-back hits, people need to do that much more.
"I went to see Paul McCartney and I knew every song, hit after hit."
Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys will kick off the North American leg of their tour on May 3, followed by another European leg a month later before wrapping up the gigs in Poland in July.
Music News
S Club 7 are reportedly reuniting.
The seven-piece pop band - who had a string of hits including 'Bring It All Back' and 'Never Had a Dream Come True', as well as their own TV series, in the late 1990s and early 2000s - are getting back together for a big reunion tour next year.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The band are even open to the idea of making new music."
The colourful group - which consists of Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Jo O'Meara, Hannah Spearritt, Jon Lee, Rachel Stevens and Bradley McIntosh - topped the UK singles chart on four occasions and had one number one album.
At the height of their pop reign, S Club spawned three hit TV series set in the US, their own line of dolls, a movie called 'Seeing Double' and spin-off group S Club 8, which consisted of young singers including future The Saturdays stars Rochelle Humes and Frankie Sandford.
Paul left the group in 2002 and the band eventually broke up in 2003 after the release of a greatest hits album.
In recent years, Paul, Jo and Bradley have toured universities up and down Britain as S Club 3.
In December, Rachel - who recently gave birth to her second child - ruled out a reunion due to becoming a devoted mother.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I've got baby number two on the way now, so I can't imagine we'll be doing 'Reach for the Stars' any time soon.
''We've been in touch and everyone obviously has such fond memories of the band. If it was for the right thing and a celebration of what we had, I don't see why not at some point.''
S Club 7 to reform in 2015?
S Club 7 are reportedly reuniting.
The seven-piece pop band - who had a string of hits including 'Bring It All Back' and 'Never Had a Dream Come True', as well as their own TV series, in the late 1990s and early 2000s - are getting back together for a big reunion tour next year.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The band are even open to the idea of making new music."
The colourful group - which consists of Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Jo O'Meara, Hannah Spearritt, Jon Lee, Rachel Stevens and Bradley McIntosh - topped the UK singles chart on four occasions and had one number one album.
At the height of their pop reign, S Club spawned three hit TV series set in the US, their own line of dolls, a movie called 'Seeing Double' and spin-off group S Club 8, which consisted of young singers including future The Saturdays stars Rochelle Humes and Frankie Sandford.
Paul left the group in 2002 and the band eventually broke up in 2003 after the release of a greatest hits album.
In recent years, Paul, Jo and Bradley have toured universities up and down Britain as S Club 3.
In December, Rachel - who recently gave birth to her second child - ruled out a reunion due to becoming a devoted mother.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I've got baby number two on the way now, so I can't imagine we'll be doing 'Reach for the Stars' any time soon.
''We've been in touch and everyone obviously has such fond memories of the band. If it was for the right thing and a celebration of what we had, I don't see why not at some point.''
Music News
Chris Martin has to "work really hard" not to "be a d**k".
The Coldplay singer admits it can be difficult being an arena rock frontman as "only about 20 other people do" it, and he has relied heavily on "key peers" Bono and Mickael Stipe, from U2 and R.E.M. respectively for advice over the years.
He added: "It does something to your brain which is odd... you have to work really hard not to be a real d**k".
The 'Magic' hitmaker - who split from wife Gwyneth Paltrow last month after 10 years of marriage - doesn't think he is a great lyricist but uses his songwriting as a "diary".
Speaking to BBC Radio 1 DJ Zayn Lowe, he said: "I write music as a diary. I'm never going to be as adept lyrically as Jay Z or Morrissey."
And Chris also insisted he doesn't care what anyone thinks of Coldplay's new album 'Ghost Stories'.
He said: "I don't really mind what anyone says about this album because it's just the truth. It's as true as my nose. Some people have a real problem with my nose, but what can I do?!"
Chris Martin works hard on image
Chris Martin has to "work really hard" not to "be a d**k".
The Coldplay singer admits it can be difficult being an arena rock frontman as "only about 20 other people do" it, and he has relied heavily on "key peers" Bono and Mickael Stipe, from U2 and R.E.M. respectively for advice over the years.
He added: "It does something to your brain which is odd... you have to work really hard not to be a real d**k".
The 'Magic' hitmaker - who split from wife Gwyneth Paltrow last month after 10 years of marriage - doesn't think he is a great lyricist but uses his songwriting as a "diary".
Speaking to BBC Radio 1 DJ Zayn Lowe, he said: "I write music as a diary. I'm never going to be as adept lyrically as Jay Z or Morrissey."
And Chris also insisted he doesn't care what anyone thinks of Coldplay's new album 'Ghost Stories'.
He said: "I don't really mind what anyone says about this album because it's just the truth. It's as true as my nose. Some people have a real problem with my nose, but what can I do?!"
Music News
Ed Sheeran isn't worried about becoming a "fat slob" because his records aren't sold on his looks.
The 'Sing' hitmaker, who will release his second album 'x' later this year, believes his appearance has nothing to do with his success and feels he doesn't have to watch his weight.
He said: "I don't think I've ever sold records based on my looks, which is positive, 'cos it means that even if I do become a fat slob when I'm older, it won't matter."
New track 'Take It Back' features lyrics about his looks, with the lines: "I don't ever want to be perfect, 'cause I'm a singer that you never want to see shirtless."
He also seemingly makes reference to a sexual encounter with a fellow star, singing: "Sleeping with a movie star and adding to the population," but refused to name the famous woman.
Ed told the new issue of Q Magazine: "I'm British so I have to be a gentleman in these situations and not say any names."
The 23-year-old singer jokingly added: "But you know what? I spent a year in America and did what any young lad would, which is experience Hollywood life. I think it's the best way to put it..."
Ed's success in America has seen him work with Pharrell Williams on tracks and Rick Rubin, who produced his new record, the follow-up to his debut '+'.
He added: "I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities that were given to me from the doors opened by the American success."
Ed Sheeran: I don’t worry about becoming a fat slob
Ed Sheeran isn't worried about becoming a "fat slob" because his records aren't sold on his looks.
The 'Sing' hitmaker, who will release his second album 'x' later this year, believes his appearance has nothing to do with his success and feels he doesn't have to watch his weight.
He said: "I don't think I've ever sold records based on my looks, which is positive, 'cos it means that even if I do become a fat slob when I'm older, it won't matter."
New track 'Take It Back' features lyrics about his looks, with the lines: "I don't ever want to be perfect, 'cause I'm a singer that you never want to see shirtless."
He also seemingly makes reference to a sexual encounter with a fellow star, singing: "Sleeping with a movie star and adding to the population," but refused to name the famous woman.
Ed told the new issue of Q Magazine: "I'm British so I have to be a gentleman in these situations and not say any names."
The 23-year-old singer jokingly added: "But you know what? I spent a year in America and did what any young lad would, which is experience Hollywood life. I think it's the best way to put it..."
Ed's success in America has seen him work with Pharrell Williams on tracks and Rick Rubin, who produced his new record, the follow-up to his debut '+'.
He added: "I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities that were given to me from the doors opened by the American success."
Music News
Kasabian have revealed their fifth studio album '48:13' will be released on June 9.
The 'Fire' band - made up of Tom Meighan, Serge Pizzorno, Christopher Karloff and Chris Edwards - have chosen the LP's title because of its running time, 48 minutes and 13 seconds and it features 13 new tracks with Eez-eh the first to be released on June 2.
In a statement, guitarist Serge - who wrote and produced the album - said: "We had the confidence to be more direct, more honest with this album. I started to strip away layers rather than to just keep adding."
Frontman Tom Meighan added: "Less is more, you know? It's direct. It is what it is. Just listen to it. We've had the confidence to lay ourselves bare. Serge has stripped it right back. It's unbelievable."
Meanwhile, the band have also announced they will headline Glastonbury Festival, making their debut appearance at the top of the Pyramid stage bill on Sunday, June 29.
Track-listing for Kasabian's new album..
1 Shiva
2 Bumblebee
3 Stevie
4 Mortis
5 Doomsday
6 Treat
7 Glass
8 Explodes
9 Levitation
10 Clouds
11 Eez-eh
12 Bow
13 Sps
Kasabian reveal their fifth studio 48:13
Kasabian have revealed their fifth studio album '48:13' will be released on June 9.
The 'Fire' band - made up of Tom Meighan, Serge Pizzorno, Christopher Karloff and Chris Edwards - have chosen the LP's title because of its running time, 48 minutes and 13 seconds and it features 13 new tracks with Eez-eh the first to be released on June 2.
In a statement, guitarist Serge - who wrote and produced the album - said: "We had the confidence to be more direct, more honest with this album. I started to strip away layers rather than to just keep adding."
Frontman Tom Meighan added: "Less is more, you know? It's direct. It is what it is. Just listen to it. We've had the confidence to lay ourselves bare. Serge has stripped it right back. It's unbelievable."
Meanwhile, the band have also announced they will headline Glastonbury Festival, making their debut appearance at the top of the Pyramid stage bill on Sunday, June 29.
Track-listing for Kasabian's new album..
1 Shiva
2 Bumblebee
3 Stevie
4 Mortis
5 Doomsday
6 Treat
7 Glass
8 Explodes
9 Levitation
10 Clouds
11 Eez-eh
12 Bow
13 Sps
Music News
Beyoncé and Jay Z have announced a joint US tour for later this year.
The 'Drunk In Love' hitmaker and her rapper husband, who have two-year-old daughter Blue Ivy together, will kick off their 'On The Run' tour on June 25 in Miami.
Beyoncé took to Facebook to unveil a tour poster today (28.04.14), showing the couple in an embrace wearing black balaclavas, along with ticket details.
The post reads: "#OnTheRunTour This Summer. Exclusive Beyhive pre-sale begins tomorrow (29.04.14) at 8am."
The 32-year-old star and her husband, 44, have collaborated together on a number of occasions and performed on stage at the Grammy Awards earlier this year.
Rumours spread of a joint tour in recent weeks and after the pair wrapped on their own individual tours, with Jay performing 52 dates in support of his 'Magna Carta...Holy Grail' album and Beyoncé concluding her 'Mrs. Carter Show' world tour last month.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé's sister Solange praised her work ethic and how she manages to juggle her career with being a wife and mother.
She told ASOS magazine: "I have never seen anything like it in my life, from anyone. It's absolutely insane.
"Now that she's become a mother, and the way that she's able to balance that is so inspiring. If I am ever feeling like I want to open up my mouth and complain about how hard I am working, I think, 'Uhhh! Sit down!'."
June 25 - Miami, FL, Sun Life Stadium
June 28 - Cinicinnatti, OH, Great American Ball Park
July 1 - Foxborough, MA, Gillette Stadium
July 5 - Philadelphia, PA, Citizens Bank Park
July 7 - Baltimore, MD, M&T Bank Stadium
July 9 - Toronto, ONT, Rogers Centre
July 11 - East Rutherford, NJ, Metlife Stadium
July 15 - Atalanta, GA, Georgia Dome
July 18 - Houston, TX, Minute Maid Park
July 20 - New Orleans, LA, Mercedes-Benz Superdome
July 22 - Dallas, TX, AT&T Stadium
July 24 - Chicago, IL, UL 24
July 27 - Winnipeg, MB, Investors Group Field
July 30 - Seattle, WA, Safeco Field
August 2 - Los Angeles, CA, Rose Bowl
August 5 - San Francisco, CA, AT&T Park
Beyoncé and Jay Z announce tour
Beyoncé and Jay Z have announced a joint US tour for later this year.
The 'Drunk In Love' hitmaker and her rapper husband, who have two-year-old daughter Blue Ivy together, will kick off their 'On The Run' tour on June 25 in Miami.
Beyoncé took to Facebook to unveil a tour poster today (28.04.14), showing the couple in an embrace wearing black balaclavas, along with ticket details.
The post reads: "#OnTheRunTour This Summer. Exclusive Beyhive pre-sale begins tomorrow (29.04.14) at 8am."
The 32-year-old star and her husband, 44, have collaborated together on a number of occasions and performed on stage at the Grammy Awards earlier this year.
Rumours spread of a joint tour in recent weeks and after the pair wrapped on their own individual tours, with Jay performing 52 dates in support of his 'Magna Carta...Holy Grail' album and Beyoncé concluding her 'Mrs. Carter Show' world tour last month.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé's sister Solange praised her work ethic and how she manages to juggle her career with being a wife and mother.
She told ASOS magazine: "I have never seen anything like it in my life, from anyone. It's absolutely insane.
"Now that she's become a mother, and the way that she's able to balance that is so inspiring. If I am ever feeling like I want to open up my mouth and complain about how hard I am working, I think, 'Uhhh! Sit down!'."
June 25 - Miami, FL, Sun Life Stadium
June 28 - Cinicinnatti, OH, Great American Ball Park
July 1 - Foxborough, MA, Gillette Stadium
July 5 - Philadelphia, PA, Citizens Bank Park
July 7 - Baltimore, MD, M&T Bank Stadium
July 9 - Toronto, ONT, Rogers Centre
July 11 - East Rutherford, NJ, Metlife Stadium
July 15 - Atalanta, GA, Georgia Dome
July 18 - Houston, TX, Minute Maid Park
July 20 - New Orleans, LA, Mercedes-Benz Superdome
July 22 - Dallas, TX, AT&T Stadium
July 24 - Chicago, IL, UL 24
July 27 - Winnipeg, MB, Investors Group Field
July 30 - Seattle, WA, Safeco Field
August 2 - Los Angeles, CA, Rose Bowl
August 5 - San Francisco, CA, AT&T Park
Music News
Lorde has hit out at "spineless" music critics.
The New Zealand singer has taken to her Tumblr account to post a blog slamming Complex magazine which gave rapper Iggy Azalea a poor review for her new album 'The New Classic', after featuring her on the cover.
Lorde posted: "Bugs me how publications like complex will profile interesting artists in order to sell copies/get clicks and then shit on their records. It happens to me all the time - [music website] Pitchfork and that ilk being like 'can we interview you?' after totally taking the p*ss out of me in a review. (sic)
"Have a stance on an artist and stick to it. Don't act like you respect them then throw them under the bus."
Iggy backed Lorde on Twitter, posting: "I agree @lordemusic media LOVE to flop about, But when you're completely spineless Im sure its hard to stick to even ur own opinion #GoGirl. (sic)"
Complex magazine later responded to Lorde's blog post, explained its reasoning behind the review in a comment piece from associate editor Insanul Ahmed.
He said: "No one should stick to their opinion when new facts (possibly in the form of new music) are made available that can alter your views. Art and artistry are fluid things.
"Celebrities seek attention and media coverage every time they do something great, why would the camera stop rolling when they do something not so great? And even if they do, it isn't meant to be disrespectful - it's meant to be critical."
Lorde hits out at spineless critics
Lorde has hit out at "spineless" music critics.
The New Zealand singer has taken to her Tumblr account to post a blog slamming Complex magazine which gave rapper Iggy Azalea a poor review for her new album 'The New Classic', after featuring her on the cover.
Lorde posted: "Bugs me how publications like complex will profile interesting artists in order to sell copies/get clicks and then shit on their records. It happens to me all the time - [music website] Pitchfork and that ilk being like 'can we interview you?' after totally taking the p*ss out of me in a review. (sic)
"Have a stance on an artist and stick to it. Don't act like you respect them then throw them under the bus."
Iggy backed Lorde on Twitter, posting: "I agree @lordemusic media LOVE to flop about, But when you're completely spineless Im sure its hard to stick to even ur own opinion #GoGirl. (sic)"
Complex magazine later responded to Lorde's blog post, explained its reasoning behind the review in a comment piece from associate editor Insanul Ahmed.
He said: "No one should stick to their opinion when new facts (possibly in the form of new music) are made available that can alter your views. Art and artistry are fluid things.
"Celebrities seek attention and media coverage every time they do something great, why would the camera stop rolling when they do something not so great? And even if they do, it isn't meant to be disrespectful - it's meant to be critical."