Take That Feeling The Effects Of Age?

Take That’s Gary Barlow has suggested that he has finally found his bandmates’ weakness, confessing that the other members of the group are all insecure about their age.


The singer, who celebrated his 40th Birthday with a performance in London earlier this year, has said that the other members of the band are all very conscious of their status as ageing popstars.

Speaking toThe Sun,42-year-old Howard Donald confessed:"I am very sensitive about my age. Gary will make jokes that I'm 46 or 47 and it really pisses me off. I feel like I'm still fit enough to go on, I don't feel my age."

While the band are no doubt fitter than most men their age, they are in no way escaping the inevitable signs of getting older: in 2007 Howard Donald ended up in hospital with a collapsed lung after attempting to perform the splits during a Milan show.

However, it would appear that songwriter Gary Barlow is finding it a bit easier to come to terms with his age. He said:"People still find it hard to believe I'm 40. Actually I'm not bothered about age. I'm really happy and it's lovely to be 40, I'd recommend it to anyone. Music is a young person's industry but you want a few of the older bands like us around. We don't have a plan for how long it is going to last."

Take That are currently working on their upcoming‘Progress’ Tour, which is said to involve a set design worth over £15 million.

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The View Unveil Video To Record Store Day Song 'I Need That Record' - Watch Now

Record Store Day, the annual celebration of independent record shops is due to take place tomorrow, April 16th this year and Scottish indie rockers The View have been selected to create an official anthem for the day, a re-recording of 80s powerpop classic ‘I Need That Record’ by The Tweeds.

The track can be heard below and will be released as a limited edition one-sided 7” single available only from participating indie record shops. The band will also be playing an instore show at Rock-a-Boom in Leicester on Record Store Day.

Record Store Day UK organiser Spencer Hickman said, “We are delighted that The View are showing their support in this way.”

Kieren Webster, from The View says:“The internet seems to be taking over music and it’s great to support Record Store Day as vinyl sounds so much better and it's so much more of an experience going to a record store to get your music. The people who work in them are avid music fans willing to help you. Even the simple pleasure of going in and flipping through the second hand bargain bucket is something I still do at least twice a week - think how many bands have been started by like minded musicians who first met in their local record shop. Without independent record shops every local music scene would lose a vital hub. Thisis why I am very proud to be doing my bit for Record Store Day!”

More than 150 independent record stores are expected to take part in this year’s Record Store Day, selling around 100 exclusive and collectible items which will only be available on the day. The day will also feature scores of unique events from PAs to exclusive gigs open only to RSD customers.

Spencer Hickman said,"Record Store Day is the perfect antidote to all the doom and gloom we hear about the music business. It's a day of celebration fuelled by the enthusiasm of artists and fans for record stores."

Last year's Record Store Day reached new heights with queues hundreds-strong forming outside some shops.

The View’s new album ‘Bread And Circuses’ is out now.

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Liverpool Sound City 2011 Announce Day-by-Day Line-ups, More Acts& Tickets

Liverpool Sound City, Merseyside’s coolest city centre music festival, has revealed the day-by-day programming of this year’s event. The urban festival, which runs between 19th and 21st May, will see performances from the likes of The View, Frank Turner, The Young Knives, Cast, Mona and Fucked Up plus many, many more. Among thenewest additions to the line-up are Frankie and the Heartstrings, The Computers and Our Mountain.

Festival Director David Pichilingi said: “This year we have again produced a world-class festival line-up that is reflected in the scope of artists we are bringing to Liverpool in May. We have continued our diverse programming to include people from all over the world converging on our city for atrue showcase of some of the hottest talent out there and many of the next generation of stars who you will see breaking through the ranks in the coming months.”

Here is a list of some of the acts playing at this year’s Liverpool Sound City:


Thursday 19th May

The View, Frank Turner, The Whip, Yuck, Frankie and the Heartstrings, Wretch 32, Pete& The Pirates, Steve Mason, Dutch Uncles, Chain& The Gang, Dinosaur Pile Up, Handsome Furs, TrophyWife, Wolf Gang, Maverick Sabre, Ed Sheeran, The Sand Band, Flashguns, Veronica Falls, The Publicist, Winter Gloves, Delta Maid


Friday 20th May

The Black Lips, Willy Mason, Miles Kane, Clinic, Young Knives, Cults, Kurt Vile& The Violators, Set Your Goals, Ed Sheeran, Three Trapped Tigers, Forest Swords, Wave Machines, Kid British, Colourmusic, Sound Of Rum, Cloud Control, The Chapman Family, The Lines, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Entrepreneurs, Monument Valley, The Computers


Saturday 21st May

Funeral Party, Cast, Mona, Sound Of Guns, Fucked Up, Spank Rock, Jamie xx, Philip Selway, Yasmin, The Phoenix Foundation, Lower Than Atlantis, Fly With Vampires, The Computers, Young Legionnaire, SBTRKT– LIVE, CREEP, Marques Toliver, Lanterns On The Lake, Alex Mills,
Amanda Blank, Niki& The Dove, The Jezebels, Teeth, Hot Club de Paris, Mugstar, Django Django, The Good Natured, Fixers

Click Here to Compare& Buy Liverpool Sound City Tickets

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Glasvegas Frontman James Allan Claims Adele Has“Amazing Soul”

Glasvegas singer James Allan has heaped praise on current UK Number One Adele for redeeming the reputation of London performing arts college, the BRIT School. The frontman showed his appreciation for the‘21’ star, claiming that she has an “amazing soul”.

Speaking to a British newspaper, Allan said:"Growing up, something like the BRIT School was the least cool thing you could admit to. But you meet some people and it makes you more open-minded and helps you understand where they come from.

He continued, confessing that his appreciation for Adele started when he met her randomly in a bar one night:"I can say that I met Adele one night, I didn't know who she was. We were in this bar and when I spoke to her I thought she'd got this amazing soul, a really soulful person."

As well as Adele, the BRIT school has spawned top chart acts including The Kooks, Leona Lewis, Jessie J, Katie Melua and Katy B.

Allan went on in the interview to criticise the current state of the UK singles chart, claiming that success doesn’t mean the same thing that it once did. He said:"I don't think the charts mean what they used to, which is a shame because I love the anticipation. I love it if it's a rock'n'roll band that makes it to the top of the tree, against the odds."

You can watch Glasvegas performing‘Euphoria, Take My Hand’ on this week’s ‘Later...With Jools Holland’ below:

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Justin Bieber Performs Concert In Israel After Political Row

Justin Bieber has become involved in two separate rows during his short trip to Israel this week, hitting out at the notoriously intrusive Israeli paparazzi and giving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the cold shoulder.

Bieber found himself in the middle of a political dispute after refusing to finalise plans to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a group of young children effected by the struggles in the area.

Speaking on the supposed rejection, an aide of Mr Netanyahu toldThe Independent:"The idea was to do an event, which these kids could enjoy, to do something for the kids in the south who haven't had it easy. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out. The initiative didn't come from us. It came from people claiming to be representing the Bieber people."

Bieber’s problems were far from over after local paparazzi made it impossible for the ‘Baby’ singer to visit the country’s holy attractions in peace.

Bieber took to Twitter to express his anger at the intrusion, saying:“You would think paparazzi would have some respect in holy places. All I wanted was the chance to walk where jesus did here in isreal. They should be ashamed of themselves. Take pictures of me eating but not in a place of prayer, ridiculous.”

He continued:“People wait their whole lives for opportunities like this, why would they want to take that experience away from someone. Staying in the hotel for the rest of the week u happy?

“I want to see this country and all the places ive dreamed of and whether its the paps or being pulled into politics its been frustrating”

However according to recent reports, Bieber’s fortunes in Israel are looking up after playing a sold out show at Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv. The show is said to have been a huge success, and a journalist fromThe Hollywood Reportereven described the gig as a“triumphant occasion, and likely the first concert most of the kids in the crowd had ever experienced”.

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Charlie Simpson Unveils New Solo Track– Listen Now

Fightstar’s Charlie Simpson has unveiled the lead track from his debut solo album. The singer and guitarist has performed as part of the rock band since 2003, however has ventured out as a solo artist since the band announced their hiatus late last year. Fightstar have been reluctant to set a definite timeframe on their hiatus, simply stating that they will reconvene at some point in 2012 to record another LP.

Simpson released his first solo EP, ‘When We Were Lions’ in December last year, however the new track , entitled ‘Down Down Down’ will be the first song to be taken from his debut full-length release, tentatively titled ‘Young Pilgrim’.

The album was recorded at Metropolis Studios in London, with John Davis behind the helm for production.

You can listen to‘Down Down Down’ below:

Down Down Downbycharliesimo

The former Busted member (Apologies - Busted broke up six years ago, we’re over it, promise) has also scheduled an intimate solo show for next month. The singer will be performing at West London’s Tabernacle venue on May 10th. Tickets for the show were released on Friday (April 15th).

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Fink Announces Release Of New Album 'Perfect Darkness' - Out June 13th

Mention Fink (real name Fin Greenall) and you surprisingly get one of two reactions: head-scratching non-familiarity; or the impassioned response that prompts artists such as John Legend and Professor Green to wax lyrical about him live on air. It is a remarkable void, one which looks set to finally close upon the release of Fink’s latest studio album ‘Perfect Darkness’ on June 13th.


Recorded and mixed by producer Billy Bush ‘Perfect Darkness’ is a smouldering, pulsating, and purposeful book of songs. From its emotion-rousing, self-titled opener, to the darkly cinematic ‘Fear Is Like Fire,’ and the uplifting nostalgia of album closer ‘Berlin Sunrise’, the ‘Perfect Darkness LP’ bristles with tense passion and hypnotic charm. It is in two words, bewitching and addictive.

“Singer-songwriters always get criticised – fairly – for sometimes sounding like a scratched record,” says Greenall. “…moaning about this, moaning about that, girlfriend’s left you, blah blah, blah.  With Fink we do sing about relationships and love and emotions – but we also sing about other stuff: embracing fear, Berlin dawns, looking forward. Perfect Darkness was written about a friend of mine who’s just signed a massive record deal and it’s all about to kick off. And I’m saying, ‘just roll with it man. It’s gonna get dark but you’ll survive and you’ll come out the other side.’ “

Following three critically-acclaimed albums,‘Perfect Darkness’ marks the next chapter of an incredible musical journey for the Bristol-born artist. The first and pre-eminent singer-songwriter signed to legendary British label Ninja Tune - after making the transition from world-clas club DJ and electronic producer - Fink is also an in-demand collaborator having written for the likes of John Legend, Ximena Sarinana, Amy Winehouse and Professor Green. He has also graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, and with bandmates Guy Whittaker on bass and Tim Thornton on drums, has toured the globe several times over.

Up until now Fink has remained in the shadows, working quietly and diligently in the background, but judging by this new record he is set to emerge into the bright lights of long-deserved mass recognition.‘Perfect Darkness’ will be released June 13th on Ninja Tune.

Title track 'Perfect Darkness' available now as a free download at www.finkworld.co.uk

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Black Sabbath To Release 2CD Deluxe Album 'Born Again' - Out June 6th

Following the departure of lead singer Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinnie Appice after the studio mixing of the 'Live Evil' album, Black Sabbath were once again on the lookout for yet another lead vocalist to fill the significant void left at stage front. The band turned to ex. Deep Purple lead singer Ian Gillan.

The resultant album and live touring certainly made for one of the more curious associations in the world of heavy metal. Much of this era of Black Sabbath has passed into rock folklore and was actually the source for much of the material used in the rockumentary movie, This Is Spinal Tap. From the replica stage production of Stonehenge which was too large for some of the venues on the world tour to the employment of a dwarf to dress-up and play the part of the ‘devil-baby’ from the LP front cover, the world of Black Sabbath took-on a distinct air of the surreal.
 
Whilst the well received 'Born Again' album and live dates succeeded in stoking the embers and kept the Sabbath flames burning, this would ultimately be a marriage built more on friendship and respect as opposed to any long-standing and compatible musical association. After one tour, Ian Gillan would eventually bid farewell and re-join his old sparring partners for the Mk. II reunion of Deep Purple and leave Black Sabbath once more gazing into the crystal ball hoping the face of yet another lead vocalist would reveal itself.
 
For Iommi, Butler, Ward, Gillan, and keyboardist Geoff Nicholls, work would swiftly commence in May of‘83 at the Manor Studios in the village of Shiptonon-Cherwell, Oxfordshire. Produced by Black Sabbath and co-producer Robin Black, who had also worked on 1975’s 'Sabotage', 1976’s 'Technical Ecstasy', and 1978’s 'Never Say Die', Sabbath’s eleventh studio release would represent a radical departure from the gloomy atmospherics and blackened lyricism that had forged their identity and spawned innumerable descendants.
 
Gillan’s approach to song-writing bespoke a lighter-hearted approach to what had, until then, been the primary concern of Butler. Album-opener 'Trashed', for instance, was inspired by Gillan’s boozed-up race around the Manor’s grounds in Bill Ward’s car that ended in near-catastrophe and a wrecked vehicle. 'Disturbing The Priest' was the result of a door in the studio having been left open during playback, and a local vicar appearing in the doorway asking for the volume to be turned down as it was disturbing choir practice in the adjacent village.
 
For all of its off-kilter appearance however, 'Born Again' was still Sabbath through and through. Musically twisted and possessed with more than a whiff of brimstone, the album is a thrilling glimpse into an alternative world.
 
For this re-mastered Deluxe Expanded Edition, a second disc containing 2 bonus tracks is included, with‘The Fallen’ being a previously unreleased studio outtake recorded during the original album session. Also included are 9 tracks from the BBC Friday Rock Show broadcast of Black Sabbath’s appearance at the Reading Rock Festival in August 1983, which also includes a performance of Deep Purple’s classic ‘Smoke On The Water’.

Tracklist:
 
Disc One (Original Album):

1. Trashed
2. Stonehenge
3. Disturbing The Priest
4. The Dark
5. Zero The Hero
6. Digital Bitch
7. Born Again
8. Hot Line
9. Keep It Warm

Disc Two Bonus Tracks:

1. The Fallen (previously unreleased album session outtake)
2. Stonehenge (Extended Version)
 
Live at the Reading Festival, August 1983:

3. Hot Line
4. War Pigs
5. Black Sabbath
6. The Dark
7. Zero The Hero
8. Digital Bitch
9. Iron Man
10. Smoke On The Water
11. Paranoid

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Estelle, David Banner& Daley Unveil Video For Janis Joplin Inspired 'Benz' - Watch Now

Brought together by BLAG - Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Estelle, rapper/ producer/ Grammy winner David Banner and Daley (fresh from featuring on ‘Doncamatic’ alongside Gorillaz) collaborate together for the first time. Inspired by Janis Joplin’s iconic song ‘Mercedes Benz’ the super-group have written and recorded ‘Benz.'

Check out the video below.


‘Benz’ by Grammy award-winning producer, David Banner, was recorded in Los Angeles and inspired by his Mississippi roots. Estelle, David Banner and Daley constructed a brand new melody and lyrics for a modern day reinterpretation of the blues classic. All the artists brought their own style andinfluences to the song creating something truly unique.

“That’s why they call it soul music, you can’t put an equation to what we just did...When we first put it together and listened to it, it was something special.” David Banner.

Daley goes on to describe Banner as a“versatile, musician, producer and writer who can pretty much do anything” While Estelle was clearly impressed with Daley’s contribution commenting, “he was singing like he was James Brown’s son.” Estelle did not escape the compliments with David Banner also adding “You don’t have a lot of people that professional and it was beautiful”.  

Beautifully shot, the video is set in three specially created connecting rooms and takes a playful fly-on-the-wall look at the dynamic supergroup creating the song and getting set for a night out together. It was directed by BLAG’s Sally A. Edwards and Sarah J. Edwards.

After hearing about the idea, Mercedes-Benz directly offered support to the project and have given the supergroup a prime slot at their press conference at the Shanghai Auto Show tomorrow, 19th April. This will be their live debut and coinciding with their celebration of 125 years of Mercedes Benz. To watch the first live performance please check Mercedes Benz Facebook  on April 19th.

Multi-talented producer, actor and rapper David Banner has previously produced records for Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, and Akon. While also no stranger to super-collaborations fellow Grammy Award winning singer-song writer Estelle has previously topped the UK and US charts with ‘American Boy’ featuring Kanye West. With Daley having previously worked with Gorillaz, and listed in BBC’s Sound of 2011 longlist, completing the star-studded line-up.

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Belle Phoenix Reveals Details Of UK Debut Album 'Nine Lives'

Dark, enigmatic, beautiful and unique - Australian native Belle Phoenix is a singer, songwriter and aspiring poet and she arrives kicking and screaming onto the UK music scene like a desperately needed shot in the arm - an anti-dote to the current epidemic of bland& sterile female pop stars infecting our airwaves, TV screens,
magazines and daily lives with safe, middle of the road personality free drivel.

Likened in spirit to PJ Harvey, Johnny Cash and The Sex Pistols, Belle's spaghetti western stylized rhetoric on her new album 'Nine Lives' deals passionately in tales of love, death, irony and humour - all wrapped up in a sexually deviant package of artistic expression and creative conviction. Thestory of Belle Phoenix is as intriguing as her music..

As a child Belle was brought up on a steady diet of choice cuts borrowed from her parent's diverse record collection and it was this early influence from her discovery of artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones that she was inspired to teach herself guitar in an attempt to imitate her heroes. As her love affair with music steadily grew, it was the punk movement above all others that seemed to call out loudest and indulging in albums by The Clash, The Ramones, The Cure and Joy Division shaped the future path she
would take in her own music.

A period of time spent squatting in a band rehearsal studio (that doubled up as punk commune) whilst dabbling in heavy use of drink& drugs as a typical teenage punk loving rebel bought her into contact with real gigging musicians on a daily basis. Waking up on the studio floor day after day as band members dragged amps and equipment around her inspired Belle to drop out of school, head first to Melbourne and then to Brisbane trying to form a band around her vocal talents and developing song writing ability.

A brief stint in LA followed before a return to Sydney bought about a record deal with Warner/Chappell but bad luck was to follow as the label folded just after the first single was released to radio. Determined to carry on, and stick one to her over protective producer/ manager, Belle took 10 demos of her own material and fled to New York where she started to record an album with producer Mark Plati (David Bowie, The Cure, Robbie Williams)."It was the middle of winter 2007 and going from 40 degrees Celsius to - 30 was tough and also
invigorating as I felt I was finally honouring myself and my expression without having someone forcing me into a mold."

Inspired by stories of war, child sex trafficking and meditation (Belle spent time as part of a Sikh cult) the album 'The Glorious Dead' was born and Belle was able to form a band, move out of the Aussie run hostel she had been staying after spending all her money on recording and tour across Australia, Germany and the UK (playing to 20,000 people at the ROX festival main stage) before arriving in London after successfully applying for a Finnish passport (her father was from Finland).

Now settled in Camden, and with a brand new backing band formed in the UK, Belle is readying her next collection of twisted, schizophrenic& eccentrically brilliant personal notes to a nation of lost souls. 'Nine Lives' is a wonderfully imagined record, the kind of record Quentin Tarentino might well use to serenade Karen O or Patti Smith to join him for a perfectly choreographed foxtrot during an Andy Warhol hosted party at The Factory. Sinister in its melody yet disarming in its projected  innocence, more than anything 'Nine Lives' is a breathtaking confessional journey into the very depths of a troubled but gifted musical soul.

Belle Phoenix is set to be one of 2011's most exciting breakthrough artists - her debut UK album 'Nine Lives' is out now. ClickHEREto check out the new video for the just released for 'Dance With Me'.

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Chase& Status Announce New Single 'Time' Feat Delilah - Out May 2nd

Chase& Status return with the release of their new single‘Time’ featuring rising star Delilah on the 2nd May, out through Mercury Records. Check out the video for 'Time' below.

‘Time’ follows the release of Top 5 single ‘Blind Faith’ feat. Liam Bailey, and their second album 'No More Idols', which hit the shops on Jan 31st and has been storming the charts ever since. It debuted at #2, behind Adele, and is still flying high in the top 15 of the Official UK Charts.

‘No More Idols’ features collaborations with rising stars such as Maverick Sabre, Tempa T and Claire Maguire as well as heavy hitters Cee-Lo, Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal and White Lies to name but a few. The single 'Time' follows 3 top 10 singles, as well as the free download Hypest Hype, all ofwhich have been A-List at Radio 1.
 
Chase& Status Autumn UK tour:

October 6th - O2 Academy Birmingham, Birmingham (£17.50)
October 7th - De Montfort Hall, Leicester (£17.50)
October 8th - Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Southend (£17.50)
October 10th - O2 Academy Bournemouth, Bournemouth (£17.50)
October 11th - Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth (£17.50)
October 13th - Liverpool University, Liverpool (£17.50)
October 14th - O2 Academy Brixton, London (£19.50)
October 15th - Oasis Leisure Centre Swindon, Swindon (£17.50)
October 17th - O2 Academy Leeds, Leeds (£17.50)
October 18th - O2 Academy Newcastle, Newcastle (£17.50)
October 20th - O2 Academy Sheffield, Sheffield (£17.50)
October 21st - O2 Academy Glasgow, Glasgow (£17.50)
October 22nd - O2 Apollo Manchester, Manchester (£17.50)

Click Here to Compare& Buy Chase& Status Tickets

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The Vaccines and Cast Among Newest Additions to Lounge On The Farm

The Vaccines and recently reformed Brit-pop band Cast are among another batch of new additions to this year’s Lounge On The Farm festival in Kent. The Canterbury event, which is due to be headlined by The Streets, Ellie Goulding and Echo& The Bunnymen, will also see performances from Braids, Dry the River, Big Deal and Two Wounded Birds. Other new additions include Visions of Trees, Eagulls and Goodnight Lenin.

Lounge On The Farm, which takes place at Merton Farm in Kent on 8th – 10th July, is now in its sixth year and has become known for its unique location on a real-life, working farm. It prides itself as a family-friendly event with a strong focus on locally-sourced food. Organisers of the festival,which first took place in 2006, have also announced that the event is to have its capacity doubled to 10,000. It is also the first year that the festival will have a huge, outdoor main stage.


Here is the list of acts that have previously been confirmed for the July event:

The Streets
Ellie Goulding
Echo& The Bunnymen
Example
Katy B
Annie Mac
Hospitality presents: Netsky, Danny Byrd, London Elektricity, Nutone& Natalia Williams, Cyantific, Prototypes
Graham Coxon
Devlin
Jamie Woon
Cornershop
Johnny Flynn
Slow Club
The Joy Formidable
Caravan
Bob Log III
Scratch Perverts
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
Andy George and Jaymo
C.W. Stoneking
Jess Mills
Liam Bailey
Dananananaykroyd
Summer Camp
Fujiya and Miyagi
Syd Arthur
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Pete and the Pirates
Egyptian Hip Hop
The Milk
Little Comets
Flashguns
Wolf People
Kid Adrift
Trophy Wife
Fixers
Chad Valley
Marcus Foster
Plump DJs
Jagga
Dog is Dead
Doorly
Feed Me
Pete Roe
Spector
Starsmith
Stopmakingme
Ellen& the Escapades
Paper Crows
Alpines
Reset
Barker Band
Beans on Toast
Boot Lagoon
Bucket Boyz
Cocos Lovers
D/R/U/G/S
Daughter
Eliza Newman
Findlay
Haight Ashbury
Handshake
Hannah Peel
Joshua Caole
Kyla La Grange
Rotifer
La Shark
Ladies of the Lake
Laura J. Martin
Leah Mason
Let’s Buy Happiness
Liam Magill
Lulu& the Lampshades
Marques Toliver
Marthas& Arthurs
Melodica, Melody& Me
Philip Roebuck
Rae
Roxanne de Bastion
Slap Alice
Still Corners
The Turncoat
Theo Bard Band
Tom Farrer& The Pharaohs
Tom Williams& The Boat
Toy Hearts
Will Varley
You Save You
Zoo For You

Click Here to Compare& Buy Lounge On The Farm Tickets

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Jessie J Announces Release Of New Single 'Nobody's Perfect'& Video - Watch Now

Monday May 23rd sees the release of ‘Nobody’s Perfect’, the new single from Jessie J. With her debut album ‘Who You Are’ and #1 single ‘Price Tag’ still soaring at the top of the UK charts, Jessie J has cemented herself as the UK’s hottest new chart-topping diva.

So far this year Jessie’s sold an astonishing 1 million singles and over 300,000 copies of her debut album ‘Who You Are’ which went platinum in its first week selling over 100,000 copies.

Jessie’s debut single ‘Do It Like a Dude’ smashed straight into the UK charts at #2; Jessie then secured her first UK #1 with single ‘Price Tag’ leading to the album release being pushed forward a whole month due to public demand. To date Jessie’s two videos have received a phenomenal 50 million YouTube views.

‘Nobody’s Perfect’ is a big killer chorus track written and produced by Jessie. Lyrically it shows a more emotional side to Jessie’s songwriting ability while showcasing the diversity of her power-house vocal. Jessie is proving she’s a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the pond after her recent highly applauded performance on award-winning hit US TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’. Check out the video for 'Nobody's Perfect' below.

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Two Gallants Announce UK Tour& Tickets

After a two year break, the San Francisco guitar-drum duo Two Gallants will begin touring again this summer across the North America and Europe.

The well needed time off came after 6 years of incessant touring and the release of 3 full length studio albums and an acoustic EP. The band consists of childhood friends Tyson Vogel and Adam Stephens who met on their elementary school playground at the age of 5. Despite an initial disagreement and ensuing scuffle over the supremacy of White Lion vs. White Snake, the two have been best friends ever since. They have been playing music together in some capacity since 1994, when their parents made the mistake of giving them both electric guitars for Christmas.

Around 2002, the two college dropouts found themselves with some time on their hands and silence to kill; and so with an acoustic guitar and a trap set they formed Two Gallants in the basement of the Vogel residence. In an ongoing unspoken competition to out do one another, the intervening years have seen the two-piece increase their volume and gear ten-fold. The bands’ sound is somewhat of a syncretism of American old-timey roots music with the grunge and east bay punk of Tyson and Adam’s formative years.

The last show they played together was headlining The Fillmore in their hometown in December 2008. In the two years since, both have released solo material under The Devotionals and Adam Haworth Stephens, respectively. But now they are looking forward to getting back to the haranging strident noise that fuelled them across the world for 6 years.

Come see Two Gallants perform in a town near you this summer and look forward to a new album in the not too distant future.

July 2011

Monday 18th - London Hoxton Bar and Kitchen
Wednesday 20th - Bristol Thekla
Thursday 21st - Nottingham Bodega
Friday 22nd - Manchester Night& Day

Two Gallants Ticketsare onsale now.Click Here to Compare& Buy Two Gallants Tickets

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Katie Waissel Accused Of Stealing Libertines Song

Fans of The Libertines have started a backlash against‘X Factor’ contestant Katie Waissel this week, accusing the singer of copying the band’s cult classic 2004 track, ‘What Katie Did’.

The TV contestant received a torrent of criticism on social networking sites after performing her debut single ‘The Ugly Truth’ on the Alan Tichmarsh Show. Fans have been especially keen to criticise the opening vocal line of “shoop, shoop, shoop de lang de lang"as being taken directly from the band’s song.

Blatant rip-off or a case of accidental similarity? Decide for yourself by listening to Waissel’s ‘The Ugly Truth’ below:



Waissel, who is currently performing on the‘X Factor’ live tour, has recently discussed the difficulties that she faced during her time on the singing competition, claiming that response to her new material has been “heartwarming”.

Speaking to theMetro, she said:“There were moments when it got really difficult, especially the death threats. I’m only human and it was sink or swim for me. I was low at times. But there was a lot of love and support around me and I didn’t want to give up as I didn’t want to let those people down. I was a bit nervous about the reaction but it has been so heart-warming and positive.”

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Kitty Daisy& Lewis, Teddy Thompson and The Young Knives Join Summer Sundae Weekender Line-up

Kitty Daisy& Lewis, Teddy Thompson and The Young Knives are among the latest acts to be confirmed for this year’s Summer Sundae Weekender in Leicester. The new additions will join the likes of The Maccabees, Graham Coxon, Example and McFly. Also newly confirmed are Jamaican reggae legends Toots& The Maytals, London-based garage rockers The Jim Jones Revue and indie quintet Pete& The Pirates.

Summer Sundae Weekender 2011 will take place at De Montfort Hall and Gardens in Leicester on 11th – 14th August. Last year, the festival celebrated its 10th anniversary with performances from Mumford and Sons, Tinchy Stryder and Seasick Steve. The festival has grown to feature over 100 acts across six stages, attracting more than 6000 people.


The Summer Sundae Weekender Daily Line Ups are as follows:

Friday 12th August
2:54
ADMIRAL FALLOW
BETH JEANS HOUGHTON
BORN RUFFIANS
BY THE RIVERS
CARAVAN PALACE
GIVERS
GRAHAM COXON
RAGHU DIXIT
SHONEN KNIFE
THE AGITATOR
THE BEES
THE MACCABEES
THE WHYBIRDS
TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS
UNCLE FRANK
VARIOUS CRUELTIES
WOLF PEOPLE

Saturday 13th August
BELLOWHEAD
BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH
CHAPEL CLUB
DIONNE BROMFIELD
DIZRAELI AND THE SMALL GODS
FLASHGUNS
HHYMN
I AM KLOOT
JIM JONES REVUE
KYLA LA GRANGE
LIAM BAILEY
LITTLE COMETS
MAMA ROSIN
NEWTON FAULKNER
PETE AND THE PIRATES
REEF
SHOWADDYWADDY
TEDDY THOMPSON
THE HEARTBREAKS
WILKO JOHNSON
YAAKS

Sunday 14th August
BLOOD RED SHOES
CW STONEKING
DELTA MAID
DRY THE RIVER
DUTCH UNCLES
EXAMPLE
FACTORY FLOOR
JOHN COOPER CLARKE
KITTY DAISY AND LEWIS
MCFLY
SKINNY LISTER
THE ANTLERS
THE BLACK ATLANTIC
THE CUBAN BROTHERS
THE PHANTOM BAND
TOM BAXTER
YOUNG KNIVES

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Lady Gaga Collaborates With Brian May On 'Born This Way'

Lady Gaga has called in Queen guitarist Brian May to work on her latest album, it has been reported. According toThe Mirror, the eccentric pop star has worked with May on a track called‘You& I’, which is set to appear on her upcoming LP ‘Born This Way’.



A source (supposedly) close to the‘Bad Romance’ singer told the paper:"It's always been Gaga's dream to perform as Queen. If it wasn't for Queen, there would be no Gaga. This collaboration with Brian May means the world to her."

Meanwhile, Gaga posted the official artwork for the album on her Twitter account this week. You can view the eye-catching image, which depicts Gaga wearing the latest design by Honda, on the right-hand side of this article.

This week Gaga also rush-released her new single‘Judas’ a day early after the song leaked online. The track, which is the second single to be taken from ‘Born This Way’, has received mixed reviews, with certain fans calling the song 'lazy'. Despite the generally good response from Gaga’s legion of diehard fans, several others have been quickto note the similarities between ‘Judas’ and Gaga’s earlier hits ‘Bad Romance’ and ‘Poker Face’.

Lazy songwriting or groundbreaking talent? Decide for yourself by listening to‘Judas’ below:

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Beatsteaks Reveal Details Of New Album 'Boom Box' - Out May 16th

Already a huge hit in Germany where it knocked Adele off the top of the album charts, the Beatsteaks’ new album ‘Boom Box’ looks set to make their biggest impact yet on these shores when it’s released on May 16th onWarner Bros. Records. The Gold-certified album will be preceded by the release of the single‘Milk & Honey’on May 9th. Check out the video to Beatsteaks' 'Milk& Honey' below.

‘Boom Box’ sees the Beatsteaks seeking out new borders to their sound with songs such as ‘CheapComments’, ‘Fix It’, ‘Access Adrenalin’ and ‘Automatic’ contributing to a diverse album that offers everything from the reggae-rock of ‘Let's See’ to the 72-second punk rock inferno‘Behavior’. The album was produced byMoses Schneider at the band’s rehearsal studio and was mixed by Nick Launay (Nick Cave, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire) at the Seedy Underbelly Studio in Los Angeles.
 
Confirmed to headline this summer’s Rock Am Ring and Rock Am Park festivals, Beatsteaks have previously played with the Sex Pistols and Faith No More, hit the Warped Tour and the Reading, Roskilde and Hurricane festivals, and performed at the opening gala for the 2011 Berlin Film Festival. They’re due in the UK in Mayas part of a huge European tour for three headline dates:
 
May 2011
 
19th – London, Koko
20th – Manchester, Academy 3
21st – Glasgow, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
 
Beatsteaks Ticketsare on sale now priced at£15 for London and £12 for Manchester and Glasgow.Click Here to Compare& Buy Beatsteaks Tickets
 
Formed in Berlin in 1995, Beatsteaks’ first break came when they won a local talent competition – the prize of which was an opening slot to the Sex Pistols. Their 1997 debut album won the attention of the renowned American punk label Epitaph and the Beatsteaks became the first German band to sign to the company when their released their second album in 1999. In 2004, they achieved a major breakthrough when the success of their ‘Smack Smash‘ album hit the German album charts and earned the band their first MTV Europe award. Their prior studio album, 2007’s ‘Limbo Messiah’, became their highest charting album to date when it debuted at #3.

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Slash, Pete Doherty, Mona& More Added To T In The Park Festival 2011 Line-Up

With T In The Park, Scotland's music event of the year, now less than 3 months away organisers have kept the buzz alive by announcing a further batch of bands.

After Blink-182 pulled-out of their confirmed T In The Park slot as part of the postponement of their entire Summer 2011 European tour due to delays with the work on their new album, festivals planners have moved quickly to turn a negative into a positive with a new announcement.

Joining the already heavy hitting line up which includes Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys and Coldplay, guitar legend Slash has been announced. After wowing crowds at Download and Glastonbury festivals last year, Slash has continued on his World tour supporting his debut solo album with a visit to T.

Also confirmed are Pete Doherty, Mona, The Naked And Famous, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Jenny and Johnny and Devlin.

T In The Park takes place in Balado, Scotland between July 8-10 2011.

This years line up so far includes:

The Strokes 
Foo Fighters 
Arctic Monkeys 
Coldplay 
The View 
Pendulum 
Tom Jones 
The Script 
Plan B 
Imelda May 
Pulp 
My Chemical Romance 
Weezer 
Deadmau5 
Beady Eye 
Ocean Colour Scene 
Tinie Tempah 
Cast 
Hurts 
You Me At Six 
Brandon Flowers 
Blondie 
Jessie J 
Eels 
The Streets 
Slash 
Pete Doherty 
Mona 
The Naked And Famous 
Fun Lovin' Criminals 
Jenny& Johnny 
Devlin 
Vitalic 
Jimmy Eat World 
The Saturdays 
Bloody Beetroots 
Chase and Status 
Josh Wink 
Noah& The Whale 
House Of Pain 
Bright Eyes 
Diplo 
Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 
Miles Kane 
Crystal Castles 
Manic Street Preachers 
White Lies 
The Vaccines 
Slam

Click Here to Compare& Buy T In The Park Tickets

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Fun Lovin Criminals To Release Live Anthology Box Set

PledgeMusic, the groundbreaking direct to fan platform, which launched in November 2009, has partnered with US band Fun Lovin’ Criminals, to release a comprehensive live album box set entitled 'Fun, Live, And Criminal'.

'Fun, Live, And Criminal: Volumes I-III' is a 3 Disc box set featuring 52 live tracks spanning the band’s entire back catalogue featuring their biggest hits ‘Scooby Snacks’, ‘Love Unlimited’ and ‘The Fun Criminal’ as well as three brand new tracks, a special booklet featuring never-seen-before images of the band, a tour laminate and 3 FLC signature guitar picks.

The band will also be personally signing each box set for every fan that pledges. Fans of the band have been waiting a long time for such a release, and with PledgeMusic, are being give the chance to be a part of making this happen.

Alongside the music there are also a whole number of extra items on offer: signed merchandise, handwritten lyric sheets and presentation discs. Not only will Fun Lovin’ Criminals fans get an amazing choice of stuff but those who pledge will also gain access to the 'pledgers only' area of this site where the band will post exclusive video blogs, rare tracks, sneak peeks and more.

In addition, EVERYONE who pledges on any item will get a download of 12 live tracks handpicked by the band from across the 55 included in the box set. More details can be found atwww.pledgemusic.com/projects/funlovincriminals

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Villagers Team Up With Charlotte Gainsbourg for Record Store Day Release

Villagers have teamed up with Anglo-French actress and singer-songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg for a split 7” single in support of tomorrow’s Record Store Day (16th April). The record will feature the track ‘Set the Tigers Free’, taken from Villagers’ 2010 debut album ‘Becoming a Jackal’, as well as a new song called ‘Memoirs’. Both tracks can be heardhere.

The idea for the record came about when Charlotte approached Villagers’ Conor O’Brien last year, asking him to compose a song for her. The result was ‘Memoirs’, which the pair recorded together at Studio Ferber in Paris. In addition to its special release for Record Store Day, which features cover art by Conor O’Brien, the track will be included on Charlotte’s forthcoming album ‘Live and Unreleased’.


Villagers will tour the UK in May at the following venues:

9th - Preston 53 Degrees
10th - Newcastle Riverside
17th - Birmingham Glee Club
18th - Bristol Trinity
19th - Colchester Arts Centre
21st - London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
22nd - Oxford O2 Academy 2
23rd - Edinburgh Liquid Rooms
24th - Manchester Sound Control

Click Here to Compare& Buy Villagers Tickets

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The Charlatans, The Courteeners& The London Guns Confirmed For Napa Live 2011

In the summer of this year, a collection of the Hottest names in British rock and indie music today, will join forces with one of the most electric party destinations in the Meditteranean to create NAPA LIVE 2011– one of the fastest growing emerging events on the musical calendar and one of the summer’s standout highlights for a certain demographic.

Celebrating now its second year, Napa Live has invited The Charlatans, The Courteeners, The Twang and Twisted Wheel to inject the island with an unparalleled and unrivalled musical experience. Scattered amongst
the non-stop hedonism and musical madness, the '96-hour party people' can enjoy a number of beach parties, boat parties, club nights, beachside comedy acts and much, much more.

The 4-day non-stop party jumpstarts into action on Tuesday, June 14th with an intimate secret gig at the Live Lounge venue, which features very special, as yet, unannounced guests. Adam Ficek (Babyshambles) and Gary Powell (Libertines) get the island pumping and coiled in anticipation on Wednesday June 15th for the arrival of the headline acts, with their visceral new concept of big party indie tunes set alongside live percussion. The Courteeners and Twisted Wheel will have Ayia Napa bouncing on Thursday June 16th with The Charlatans and The Twang bringing the festival to an almighty close on Friday June 17th.

Line-Up and Ticketing Info:

June 14th Secret gig featuring very special guests (To be announced)– Live Lounge

*Free admission for first 100 NAPA LIVE ticket holders*

June 15th - The London Guns (DJ set and live percussion)– Napa Forum
June 16th - The Courteeners and Twisted Wheel– Napa Forum
June 17th - The Charlatans and The Twang– Napa Forum

Click Here to Compare& Buy Napa Live Tickets

3-Day Pass including Aftershow Pool Party:£69.00 - Price includes entrance into all gigs, club nights and the famous NAPA LIVE Aftershow Pool Party event on Saturday, June 18th.

Tickets and can be redeemed in resort for a NAPA LIVE wristband at the Live Lounge Venue.

The wristband will also entitle you to free entrance during your stay to the Castle Club, the biggest club on the island along with several discounts at restaurants, watersports and bike hire.

Tickets will be accepted on the door without wristband but it is highly recommended that you exchange your ticket for a wristband on arrival.

There are a limited amount of tickets for the secret gig featuring very special guests at the Live Lounge Venue.

The first 100 NAPA LIVE ticket holders to redeem their tickets for
event wristbands at the Live Lounge venue will be granted free
admission into our secret gig featuring very special guests.

You can also book additional events and activities on the shop page in
advance to avoid disappointment as demand for boat and beach party
events NAPA LIVE week can be high. More details can be found at the websitewww.napalivefestival.com

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Munich To Play Great Escape Ahead Of 'All Sussed Out' Debut Single Release

Munich have announced that they are to head out on a UK tour around the release of their debut single 'All Sussed Out' on the 20th June. Having not long completed their first UK tour they are certainly not a band to let the dust settle. The dates are being finalised as we speak but we can tell you thatthey'll be making an appearance at a number of festivals, kicking off with The Great Escape on the 12th May.

The Brighton five piece combine their talents to make music that is rich and cinematic. They fit together like pieces of a puzzle through a mutual respect in one another’s skill along with total dedication. Singer and wordsmith Stuart Slade takes influence from extraordinary songwriters such as Robert Smith and Conor Oberst. He twists his words from the normal to something quite beautiful and delivers them with a rawness and passion that cannot be faked.

In 2010 Munich completed their debut 11 date UK tour, released their debut EP ‘Where Are You Now?’ and sold out launch shows in Brighton and London, and 2011 is set to elevate them even further.

The critically acclaimed EP, released last November, was produced by Paul Corkett (The Cure, Placebo, Nick Cave, Bjork and Biffy Clyro) at Moles Studios, Bath. It received some great support from press and radio including being play listed on XFM and Brighton’s Juice FM, support from BBC Introducing and reviews in Q, The Fly, Source and XYZ.

Stay tuned for more details on their forthcoming tour. In the meantime here's a few festival dates:

12th May - The Great Escape (above Audio)
29th May - Meadowlands, Sussex

9th July - Outside:Inside Festival, Reading

Click Here to Compare& Buy Munich Tickets

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The Strokes Added To 2011's T In The Park Festival Line-Up

The Strokes have been added to this year’s T In The Park line-up, following yesterday's announcement that Blink 182 have postponed their UK visit until 2012.

Following the news that Blink-182 will no longer appear at T In The Park, organisers of the festival, voted Scotland's music event of the year, have now confirmed that Slash, Fun Lovin Criminals, Mona and The Naked and Famous will perform across the weekend, with The Strokes being the latest bandadded to the bill.

T In The Park 2011 will be headlined by Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Foo Fighters. The festival takes place at Balado Airfield in Kinross from Thursday 7th July to Sunday 10th July.

T In the Park Ticketsare available to buy online, with weekend ticket prices starting at around£225.Click Here to Compare& Buy T In The Park Tickets

This years line up so far includes:

The Strokes
Foo Fighters
Arctic Monkeys
Coldplay
The View
Pendulum
Tom Jones
The Script
Plan B
Imelda May
Pulp
My Chemical Romance
Weezer
Deadmau5
Beady Eye
Ocean Colour Scene
Tinie Tempah
Cast
Hurts
You Me At Six
Brandon Flowers
Blondie
Jessie J
Eels
The Streets
Slash
Pete Doherty
Mona
The Naked And Famous
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Jenny& Johnny
Devlin
Vitalic
Jimmy Eat World
The Saturdays
Bloody Beetroots
Chase and Status
Josh Wink
Noah& The Whale
House Of Pain
Bright Eyes
Diplo
Bloody Beetroots Death Crew
Miles Kane
Crystal Castles
Manic Street Preachers
White Lies
The Vaccines
Slam

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Incubus Release Details Of New Album 'If Not Now, When?’

Incubus have confirmed the tracklisting for their upcoming seventh studio album,‘If Not Now, When?’, giving a lengthy statement about the tone and intent of the record. The band have been working on the follow-up to 2006’s acclaimed release, ‘Light Grenade’, and have described the new album as “Something unique, both to the world and to us as a band”

Lead singer Brandon Boyd posted an extended statement about the new release on the band’s website this week, talking about the main themes behind the new LP.

He said:“By about three songs into the writing process, I think we began to understand that we were unearthing something new. And excitedly, we began chasing that new rabbit as far down, around and into the wormhole as it led us. At a certain point amongst all of this creative wandering we began to understand quite clearly that certain creative mantras were reemerging. Both consciously and unconsciously. Words like, 'economy', 'elegance', 'space', and 'restraint' kept creeping back into our many conversations.”

Boyd continued:“Words we had toyed with in the past, but never so deliberately and never so confidently. Sprinkle into this caldron a dash of whimsy and a pinch of psychedelia, let it stew in the recording studio for a couple of months and you get this: 'If Not Now, When?’ Our unabashed, romantic, lush, sonic love letter to the world. It's darker, slower, more rich, more refined, and more involved than anything Incubus has birthed to date. And I am so happy to share it with all of you.”

Although no release date has been confirmed yet, it is believed that the album will be released this summer. Boyd also confirmed that the first track to be released from‘If Not Now, When?’ will be a track entitled ‘Adolescents’. He described the song as “perhaps the most familiar sounding Incubus song on this new album. It begins with Michael's unmistakable and inimitable guitar work and rolls its way into a kind of drunken waltz.”

You can read the full post at enjoyincubus.com

The tracklisting for 'If Not Now, When?’ will be:

'If Not Now, When?'
'Promises, Promises'
'Friends And Lovers'
'Thieves'
'Isadore'
'The Original'
'Defiance'
'In The Company Of Wolves'
'Switchblade'
'Adolescents'
'Tomorrow's Food'

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‘X Factor’ Winner Joe McElderry Dropped By SyCo

‘X Factor’ winner Joe McElderry has been dropped by Simon Cowell’s record label after just over a year with the company, according to reports. TheDaily Mailhas stated that McElderry is being dropped after his latest single,‘Someone Wake Me Up’ sold only 7,000 copies.

According to the paper, McElderry has now moved back in with his mother after receiving the news. The singer is still technically signed on to SyCo’s books for another month, but the label have made it clear that they will not be renewing the contract.

A source told theDaily Mail:"Joe is devastated. His mum has been comforting him. He believed he could have a great music career. Although he is still on SyCo's books, his deal runs out in about a month and it won't be renewed."

A representative of SyCo also commented:"Joe's a lovely boy and it is a pity it did not work out, but no one can say Simon and his staff did not try to make it work. Simon gave Joe the best chance possible of success by making sure he worked with some of the world's top producers."

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Glastonbury 2011 Line-Up Intended As 'Big Finale'

Emily Eavis, the daughter of Glastonbury festival founder Michael Eavis, has described this year’s festival as a “big finale” for the approaching gap year. Eavis stated that the extensive line-up, which was announced earlier this week, is intended to represent the finest music for both this year and next, when the festival will be taking a scheduled year off.

Speaking toBBC 6 Music, Eavis said:"Subconsciously, you think about the fact there isn't going to be a festival next year, so you try to get as much in as possible that will represent both years. It's like a big finale. By the time we come back, there'll be a lot of music around. This is like the big sing-off."

As well as headliners U2, Coldplay and Beyonce, the festival is set to include a host of top acts including Morrissey, Elbow, Pendulum, Biffy Clyro, Paolo Nutini, and Plan B, all of whom will be appearing on the pyramid stage.

Also signed up to perform are Primal Scream, The Chemical Brothers, Queens of the Stone Age, Mumford and Sons, White Lies, Friendly Fires, Kaiser Chiefs, Fleet Foxes and Tinie Tmepah.

Tickets for the festival are sold out, however a small amount of returned tickets will be made available tomorrow (April 17th).

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Arctic Monkeys Unveil Video For 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair' - Watch Now

Arctic Monkeys have unveiled the official video for their new single 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair'. The track is the first single to be released from their upcoming fourth studio LP,‘Suck It And See’.

The promo feels like a psychedelic episode, depicting shots of the band performing in rehearsals alongside clips of seemingly random footage, including parts of a Sheffield Wednesday football match.

The song is currently available for purchase as a download, and will be released as a seven-inch vinyl to celebrate Record Store Day this Saturday (April 16th). Accompanying the track as a b-side will be‘Brick by Brick’, the first song to be unveiled from their new album.

‘Suck It And See’ is scheduled for release on June 6th. The band have been unusually quiet about the release, which was recorded with producer James Ford in Los Angeles. Drummer Matt Helders has, however, described the upcoming LP as “more poppy” than their 2009 release, ‘Humbug’.

You can watch the video for‘Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair' below:

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Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal's 'Chico& Rita' On DVD/Blu-ray

Icon Home Entertainment is pleased to announce the May 9th DVD& Blu-ray release of“Chico& Rita”, the passionate and beautifully animated love story from Oscar-winning director Fernando Trueba (Belle Epoque), and Spain’s most celebrated designer Javier Mariscal.

Set in Cuba, 1948, Chico is a young piano player with big dreams. Rita is a beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unites them, but their journey – in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero - brings heartache and torment. From Havana to New York, Paris, Hollywood and Las Vegas, two passionate individuals battle impossible odds to unite in music and love…

With an original soundtrack by legendary Cuban pianist, bandleader and composer Bebo Valdés, on whom the character of Chico is loosely based, “Chico& Rita” captures a definitive moment in the evolution of jazz music. The film features music by jazz legends such as Thelonious Monk, Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie& Freddy Cole (brother of Nat King Cole).

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PS I Love You Announce Details Of Debut Album& Offer Free Madonna Cover Download

Kingston, Ontario’s quick-rising duo, PS I Love You, are set to unleash their brilliant debut album on April 26th, 2011. The ten-track album titled, 'Meet Me At The Muster Station', is a relentless listen that grips and pulls the listener through just under thirty-minutes of squalling Marshall feedback, searing solos, soaring melodies and rock-steady beats that will surely be considered one of this year’s finest debuts.

PS I Love You was originally the solo project for multi-instrumentalist Paul Saulnier who has performed in everything from a country-rock band to an improvised noise duo. PS I Love You was intended to be his experimental, pop music outlet using guitar looping pedals, keyboards with some gadgets and gimmicks. The addition of Benjamin Nelson on drums suddenly transformed PS I Love You’s little songs into mini, soaring rock anthems.
 
After the release of their debut in North America, 'Meet Me At The Muster Station' appeared on a number of 2010 year-end lists.  Highlights include: Exclaim, Aux, The Coast, Consequence of Sound and individual critics lists at Toronto Star and Now Magazine.  Exclaim named ...'Muster Station' it's #4 album of the year, and said:
 
"It's hard to believe that the stunning 'Meet Me at the Muster Station' is PS I Love You's debut. Arriving fully formed, this Kingston duo delivers its catchy hooks with brute force, pummelling listeners with fuzzy guitars and thundering rhythms. And even if you won't be able to sing along with frontman Paul Saulnier's strangled yelps, songs like"Facelove"and"2012"will be stuck in your head for weeks. Savage noise freak-outs have never sounded quite so palatable."
 
These recent accolades add to the already glowing praise from the likes of Pitchfork, Village Voice, NME, Eye, Exclaim, Now, Toronto Star, The Fly, Gigwise, LA Weekly, SF Weekly, Portland Mercury, San Diego City Beat, The Stranger, Washington Post, Brooklyn Vegan, Consequence of Sound, PopMatters, Pop Tarts Suck Toasted,  CMJ, Prefix, Treble, and KCRW.
 
See the band live in the UK at the following shows:
 
5/05 London UK - Lexington
5/06 Leeds UK - Cockpit 3
5/07 Glasgow UK - Captains Rest
5/08 Edinburgh UK - Sneaky Pete's
5/09 Manchester UK - Night and Day
5/10 Sheffield UK - Harley     
5/12 Brighton UK - Hectors House (The Great Escape, The Fly)
5/13 Brighton UK - The Albert (The Great Escape, 13 Artists)

Click Here to Compare& Buy PS I Love You Tickets

Check out a PS I Love You cover of Madonna’s ‘Where’s the Party’ in their own inimitable style. The cover song is available to listen, download and enjoy below.

PS I Love You 'Where's The Party' (Madonna cover)byPaper Bag Records

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Spring Offensive Unveil Video For New Single 'A Stutter And A Start'

Oxford’s unique and eclectically dynamic indie quintet have unveiled the video to their new single ‘A Stutter and a Start’, released yesterday, April 11th.

Having gained thousands of new listeners and critical acclaim from those impressed with both the musical structure and lyrical detail contained within their last free ‘mega-single’ (a free 14 minute concept song inspired by Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ theory of the Grief Cycle), Spring Offensiveare now keen to share their latest project with the world.

The band wanted to do something a little bit different from the norm and show a bit fun with this video, so they organised a cunning one-shot video (seriously, no cuts whatsoever!) following a man going through the motions of his daily routine (aided by the band), whilst being taunted by and plagued with interruptions from his mysteriously persistent mobile phone. Check out the video below.

Spring Offensive UK Shows:

May 9th - Club Fandango headline show @ The Bull& Gate (London)
June 2nd - Club The Mammoth @ The Old Queens Head (London)
June 4th - All dayer with Cats&Cats&Cats @ The Windmill (London)
June 18th - Headline show @ O2 Academy 2 (Oxford)
June 29th - Death 2 Disco @ Notting Hill Arts Club (London)

Click Here to Compare& Buy Spring Offensive Tickets

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Victory Pill Unveil Video For New Single 'Burnout'

Former Prodigy and Pitchshifter guitarist Jim Davies once again teams up with producer Pete Crossman for Victory Pill’s brand new album ‘The Digital Divide’ set for release 2nd May on Otherside Recordings.

Three years on from the release of their critically acclaimed self titled debut, VP’s new long player is an explosive yet harmonically rich offering that blurs the line between electronic and live instrumentation. ‘The Digital Divide’ not only shines a light on the incredible sonics that Davies evokes from his trusty guitar but also shows off Crossman’s range as a producer and beat aficionado. It’s a cross over of epic proportions and features guest appearances from Canadian vocalist Graeme Cornies (front man of Triptaka) and Hounds. The title itself neatly sums up the conceptual thought behind the music and invites the listener on a journey of discovery to pinpoint exactly where that divide is.

Music CV’s don’t get much more impressive than that of Jim Davies. His ascent was rapid (having first picked up a guitar at 16!) and in 1995 a chance meeting with Liam Howlett resulted in Davies being invited to play on tour with the Prodigy including the infamous 1995 headline slot atGlastonbury. The band were so impressed that they got him down to the studio to record on what was to become ‘Fat Of The Land’. Not resting on his laurels he then joined cult industrial punk band Pitchshifter, lending his signature sound to the band’s two best selling albums ‘www.pitchshifter.com’ and ‘Deviant’, thus cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most prodigious guitar talents.

It was a few years later at Leeroy Thornhill’s (Prodigy) studio that Davies met Pete Crossman and the two formed a strong musical bond which has seen them collaborate on various projects including Davies solo album, numerous remixes and their own original material in Victory Pill.

Davies has also recently sessioned for drum 'n' bass supremo Subfocus, General Midi and international breaks star Hyper (including Hyper’s new album ‘The Panic’ due out in April 2011).

There are clearly a wide range of influences on this album, from the multi-layered post industrial rock of ‘Generation Waste’ right through to the sublime chaos of ‘Split’ which is like Nine Inch Nails with an Underworld ‘chaser’. Cornies’ soaring vocals on ‘Burn Out’ (first single to be taken off the album) add a new dimension to the already accomplished sound. Harmonically he sits perfectly on top of the guitar line and his laid back delivery on the verse really lets the track breathe before exploding into the anthemic chorus. Davies himself delivers a delicious vocal line on the track ‘Wave Length’ that’s neatly superimposed over the ethereal rhythm guitar, highlighting again the rich tonal palette at his disposal. Other stand out tracks include ‘Undefeated’ feat. Hounds and the fusion laced soundscape of ‘Aim Low’.

The first single ‘Burnout’ is released today and includes remixes from Steve Lavers, Jon Mckee and legendary dance music pioneers Empirion, their first release in over 13 years! Check out the video below.

‘The Digital Divide’ is released on 2nd May on Otherside Recordings.

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Noel Gallagher Rejects Offer To Judge On UK‘X Factor’

Noel Gallagher has rejected a substantial offer to replace Simon Cowell on the Judge’s panel in the next UK series of hit singing competition ‘The X Factor’. According to reports, the ex-Oasis singer was approached by Cowell with a ‘blank cheque’ offer, and was asked to ‘name his price’ to appear on the show.

However, Gallagher is said to have declined the offer, opting to focus on his upcoming solo album instead. The offer, which would have involved a three-month commitment to the show as a minimum, would have meant that Gallagher would be forced to put his current solo plans on hold.

According to a British newspaper, a source from Gallagher’s camp said:"Simon promised global fame and a crack at the US panel in future years.”

Meanwhile, Gallagher is said to have embarked on a risky collaboration with Amorphous Androgynous on his upcoming untitled solo LP. The tracks are said to be favoured by Noel Gallagher, but according toSourmash Music, the new sound isn’t sitting well with Gallagher’s management.

Writing on Twitter, online blogger Peter Cornish-Barlow said:"He left LA to get away from his management because they don't like the work he is doing with Amorphous Androgynous. No-one, apart from Noel likes the reworked material AA have done! It’s causing problems in camp, so I am told."

He continued:"Also the feeling is that he won't get his way, and he will most likely {release} the album that did the rounds last year!... He has two albums worth of material too apparently."

Amorphous Androgynous are electronic duo Garry Cobain and Brian Dougans. The pair, who are also known as The Future Sound Of London, produced a a 22-minute remix the Oasis single 'Falling Down' in 2009.

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Australian Solo Artist Israel Cannan Announces UK Dates and New Album

Australian singer-songwriter Israel Cannan has announced a trio of May live dates in London. The new shows will follow the release of his debut album‘Walk’, which is now available to buy on iTunes. The album includes the single ‘Set Me Free’ – watch the video below.

Israel Cannan wrote and engineered all of the songs on ‘Walk’, as well as playing all of the instruments. Upon its completion, he set off from his home in New South Wales to tour around Australia and share the album with the rest of the country. The tour visited every state in the country whileCannan played to locals in some of the most remote places in the world.

Speaking about the journey, he said:“I have never wanted to wait around for some elusive big break that may or may not come. There is a whole world of people out there that will connect with what I do. I just have to find them.”

Next month, Cannan will bring‘Walk’ over to the UK for three dates in the capital.

UK Live Dates
May 1: Islington Hope& Anchor, London
May 11: The Troubadour, London
May 28: Slaughtered Lamb, London

Israel Cannan‘Set Me Free’

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Grammy Awards Set For Dramatic Overhaul

The Recording Academy, the body responsible for the annual Grammy Awards ceremony, has announced that they have made a number of major changes to the formatting of the Awards. The Academy have announced that they will be reducing the number of categories and also attempting to make gender less of a factor in future ceremonies.

Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles, The Recording Academy president and CEO Neil Portnow stated that the number of categories would be lowered from the current 109 to 78 for the 2012 ceremony. He said:"We have restructured the number of categories to 78 to remain a balanced and viable awards process. Every submission will continue to have a home; it just may look a little different."

"We believe this is an exciting time for music and its creators and we are honoured to continue the Grammy legacy of recognising excellence in recorded music."

He went on to clarify exactly what the changes will entail. The Academy will be making the awards less gender-specific, removing individual male/female categories in the country, pop, rock and R&B fields. The awards will now be open to both genders, with more nomination spaces allowed for each category.

Portnow also indicated that each category will have at least 40 distinct artist entries in future: a dramatic change from the current limit of 25.

Four of the most prestigious categories - 'Album of the Year', 'Song of the Year', 'Record of the Year' and 'Best New Artist' will all remain the same.

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Stone Roses To Reunite For Tour: Brown& Squire"Bury The Hatchet"

According to reports in today's The Sun Newspaper, the Stone Roses look set to reunite later this year for one of the biggest band comebacks ever.

The Sun reports that singer Ian Brown and guitarist John Squire recently met up at the funeral of bassist Mani's mother and decided to “bury the hatchet” with a possible reunion later this year.

A source described the meeting of Ian Brown and John Squire, saying,“It was an emotional reunion. There were no harsh words. It was a heartwarming breaking of bread. They had a lot to catch up on and have been in regular contact since."

Brown and Squire have always quashed rumours of the Stone Roses reuniting in past years, however, if the trio can sign up drummer Reni, a“megabucks reunion” looks set to definitely go ahead this time.

Splitting in 1996 following the release of two albums, the Stone Roses' frontman Ian Brown has gone on to build a successful solo career while guitarist Squire has moved into painting. Bassist Mani currently plays in Primal Scream.

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LCD Soundsystem Joined By Arcade Fire During Epic Final Show– Watch Now

LCD Soundsystem were joined onstage by members of Canadian band Arcade Fire this weekend, as they performed their final ever show at Madison Square Gardens. The epic three-and-a-half hour set spanned the length of their musical career, as the band brought out recent tunes and cult classics for their impressive live swansong.

James Murphy and co. were joined on stage by Win Butler, Will Butler, Regine Chassagne and Jeremy Gara from Arcade Fire, who took to the mics to perform backing vocals on 2007 track ‘North American Scum’.

The lengthy final set from the band included two encores, and featured a rare live rendition of extended track‘45:33’. The band also performed tracks including 'Losing My Edge', 'Daft Punk Is Playing In My House', ‘Drunk Girls’ and a euphoric rendition of 'New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down' to close their set (and their live careers as an outfit).

The entire set was captured byPitchfork, and you can view the video below. Fans have already expressed their desire to have the impressive final set released as an official DVD.

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Christina Aguilera Declares Her Support For Britney Spears

Christina Aguilera has attempted to bury the hatchet with her former rival Britney Spears, declaring that is important for artists to show support to one another. The singer was recently asked if she had listened to Spear’s latest LP ‘Femme Fatale’, replying that she had not heard it in its entirety but was a huge fan of what she had listened to so far.

Aguilera is currently occupying a role as judge on new US talent show ‘The Voice’. When asked about her feelings towards Spears, the ‘Fighter’ star described her as an “old friend”, commenting on the fact that they had performed together as children on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’.

She said:"I'm a huge supporter of her and in light of the fact both of our careers started off together and are still going - and going strong - I just think at this point in the game it's extremely important to be supportive of fellow artists."

Aguilera then continued to assert that female artists should support each other rather than feeding media-created animosities. She went on to name some of the artists that she admires, referencing Adele, Florence Welch, Lauryn Hilll and Jennifer Hudson.

Speaking about Hudson, Aguilera said:"Jennifer has a beautiful voice and I truly enjoyed working with her. We became friends after that. She is such a cool, down-to-earth person. She definitely has some pipes and it's effortless for her to hit those notes and a beautiful thing to watch."

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Example, I Am Kloot and McFly Added to Summer Sundae Weekender

Example, I Am Kloot and McFly are among the latest additions to be confirmed for this year’s Summer Sundae Weekender in Leicester. These acts will join previously-confirmed artists such as The Maccabees, Graham Coxon and Newton Faulkner on the line-up for the August event. Other new additions include Reef, Chapel Club, Dutch Uncles and local 70s rockers Showaddywaddy. Summer Sundae Weekender 2011 will take place at De Montfort Hall and Gardens in Leicester on 11th – 14th August.

Summer Sundae Weekender has taken place every year since 2001 and last year celebrated its 10th anniversary with performances from Mumford and Sons, Tinchy Stryder and Seasick Steve. The festival has grown to feature over 100 acts across six stages, attracting more than 6000 people.


Acts confirmed so far:

EXAMPLE
I AM KLOOT
CHAPEL CLUB
REEF
MCFLY
CARAVAN PALACE
BORN RUFFIANS
SHONEN KNIFE
WOLF PEOPLE
SHOWADDYWADDY
UNCLE FRANK
BETH JEANS HOUGHTON
THE AGITATOR
ADMIRAL FALLOW
KYLA LA GRANGE
DIONNE BROMFIELD
DUTCH UNCLES
2:54
GIVERS
THE HEARTBREAKS

THE MACCABEES
GRAHAM COXON
NEWTON FAULKNER
THE BEES
BELLOWHEAD
THE CUBAN BROTHERS
WILKO JOHNSON
JOHN COOPER CLARKE
LITTLE COMETS
CW STONEKING
LIAM BAILEY
BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH
MAMA ROSIN
RAGHU DIXIT
SKINNY LISTER
THE BLACK ATLANTIC
DIZRAELI AND THE SMALL GODS
VARIOUS CRUELTIES

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Live Nation Forced To Cancel Plans For Japan Benefit Wembley Concert

Due to problems with artist availability, Live Nation has been forced to cancel its plans to stage a major UK concert in the UK this month. The concert was planned to help raise funds for the relief effort in Japan.

Having joined up with major labels such as Sony and Universal, Live Nation were intending to sign-up some huge stars for the charity concert which was going to be held at London's Wembley arena and screened around the world via BBC and NBC.

A spokesman for Live Nation revealed to Music Week the bad news."Unfortunately with now only 13 days to go to the proposed Concert for Japan, sadly we are in a position where we have been unable to secure the artists required to produce the worldwide TV broadcast that we had hoped for and have therefore very reluctantly decided to proceed no further."

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Audiodroid Releases Debut Album 'Raving& Melancholy Madness' Via Android Marketplace

After several false starts the debut album from Audiodroid is finally here."Raving& Melancholy Madness"was released this week as an app for smartphones in the Android marketplace. Incorporating artwork as well as the 7 track album it represents an innovative first for this Welsh electronic artist.

Approached by Tudor Watson with the idea, the pair quickly nailed down the concept of releasing an album as an app. The pair decided on this route mostly as a unique way of marketing music but also neatly preventing piracy and illegal downloading. To get the app you have to purchase it.

Audiodroid says"I'm really impressed how quickly everything came together and I love the thought that it might be a first for the music industry. The album itself is quite dark and in places quite strange, so to release it through the Android Marketplace seemed a quite appropriate route to market in the 21st Century."

The application, which costs just£1.99, can be downloaded now from the Android marketplace (click here to visit Android marketplace) and more information about Audiodroid can be found at -www.audiodroid.co.uk.

The development company for the android app can be found at -http://electrome.com, the company provides a new way for independent musicians and bands to sell music directly to their listeners.

You can preview the album at Audiodroid's Soundcloud page, check out one of the tracks from the album 'Petition of the Poor Distracted People in the House of Bedlam' below.

Audiodroid - Petition of the Poor Distracted People in the House of BedlambyAudiodroid

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Yes Announce Trevor Horn To Produce New Album 'Fly From Here'

The world's most quintessential Prog Rock band YES, announces their highly anticipated new album 'Fly From Here'. This marks the first album in ten year with legendary, 2-time Grammy Award winning producer, Trevor Horn.

Horn and YES bassist Chris Squire re-discovered the track 'Fly From Here' which has never been recorded as a studio track.  “Chris and I were talking one evening about a song ‘'Fly From Here'’ that we never recorded,” explains Trevor Horn. “I said I was prepared to spend two weekswith ‘YES’ recording that song. When I arrived in America to record it, I was taken prisoner by the band and only allowed my freedom again in return for producing the whole album. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse!!!”

'Fly From Here' encompasses YES’ signature brand of mysticism and grand-scale compositions. Maintaining a complex, symphonic sound that features the beautiful harmonies and strong heavy riffs they are known for. “The new album represents the best of YES from the 70s and the 80's with a current twist,” states Squire.

YES are the pioneers for the use of synthesizers and sound effects in modern music, which produced such timeless, symphonic-rock masterworks as"Roundabout,""Close To the Edge,"and"Awaken". YES continued to push the cutting edge of art-rock music to their limits, selling over 30 million albums, reaching platinum status multiple times worldwide.

YES’ powerful mainstream progressive compositions have influenced a generation of musicians with a hugely successful and indelible catalogue of music with hit albums such as 'Drama Fragile', 'Close To The Edge' and '90125'. Classics such as 'Roundabout,' a seminal hit which consistently appears on“the best songs of all-time” lists, and the group’s #1 hit 'Owner of a Lonely Heart,' which Horn is responsible for. Taken from the YES album '90125', this single would form part of a unique double, which would see YES and Horn top both the UK and US charts simultaneously.

'Fly From Here' will be released on Frontiers Records July 2011. More details about the album, its packaging and YES’ live plans for the rest of the year will become available shortly.

For additional information please visitwww.yesworld.com

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