One Republic opened the second day of the weekend on the mainstage kickstarting another day of live music presented by Scott Mills, Annie Mac, Cel Spellman and Greg James. With coverage featuring live perfomances by The Last Shadow Puppets (as well as an interview), Alessia Cara and The Weeknd. DJ/Producer Alesso treated everyone to an impressive set in the In New Music We Trust stage, and what a performance it was. There was live radio coverage of Iggy Azalea which unfortunately had to be cut short due to strong language. Pity, it was on my favourite song. There were new videos from Nick Jonas for his new single ‘Close’ with Tove Lo; Tinie Tempah & Zara Larsson’s ‘Girls Like’ and Jake Bugg ‘Gimme The Love’. There was also a special video from Taylor Swift featuring Greg James (lucky beggar) for her single Blank Space. Panic At The Disco did an amazing cover of Bohemian Rhapsody, whilst shirtless (I kid you not). However all attention goes to Coldplay who stole the show as the headlining act closing the weekend event with an amazing set on BBC4.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter: The Highlights
It’s first day of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter and it’s been great so far. With live streams presented by Radio 1’s Annie Mac, Nick Grimshaw, Alice Levine and 1Xtra’s Mistajam providing backstage coverage from the BBC Introducing stage. Nick Jonas opened the events on the main stage. Current highlights have included live, energetic performances by Slaves, Chvrches, Paloma Faith who even did her hit duet with Sigma. There were new videos from Biffy Clyro of their new single ‘Wolves of Winter’ and Desiinger with his new video ‘Panda’. Both videos looked pretty good. There was a live streamed set by The Hunna on the BBC Introducing stage which unfortunately had to be cut after 15 seconds due to bad language. Pity really, they did seem quite good on first appearances. Mumford & Sons however stole the show as the headliners on the main stage over on BBC4.
As a dedicated music and festival fan I personally am disappointed that I could only access most live performances, backstage gossip and interviews via the red button service. This is what was great about BBC3 when it was a TV channel as they showed over 6 hours of non-stop coverage. The BBC made a huge mistake taking the channel off the air, they should reverse their decision even if on a temporary basis. As a channel you knew where it was. No music fan should have to rely solely on the Radio 1 website or red button service for coverage. And they definitely shouldn’t have to wait till 22:30 just to catch that one televised act.
Corinne Bailey Rae on The Graham Norton Show
Just watched over four minutes of Corinne Bailey Rae performing her new single ‘Stop Where You Are’ on The Graham Norton Show right now on BBC1. What a performance and an amazing song. She’s one talented woman who’s got that soulful, soothing voice that can speak emotions and is incredible to listen to. I love it. For a song that’s over 4 minutes long you’re gonna like it after just one. If soul/R&B is your thing, then I’d definitely recommend Bailey Rae for your playlist. Taken from her new album The Heart Speaks in Whispers. I’ve absolutely loved her since she released her very first debut single and still love her now. If her new single’s anything to go by then I’m definitely going to get the album.
The Singles Review
Alice Russell
“Got The Hunger” (Tiklah Remix)
Heard in the latest coffee advert, Nescafe Azera – the one where the woman makes a hot beverage then walks through the (London) city with a camera in the early hours and photographs the cityscape whilst the sun rises. Now I only heard this once via the advert and just fell in love with it instantly (pardon the pun). One very smooth, soulful track and I just love the woman’s voice as it’s just so melodic and captivating. The ‘Got The Hunger’ lyrics just circulates around your ears as you’re listening and just seems to echo in a soothing way. Look it up on YouTube, you may find yourself liking it.
Mr. Scruff
“Get A Move On”
Used in the recent B&Q Kitchen Jump In advert. The one with woman who jumps through a tablet looking for the perfect kitchen and eventually gets it, along with the perfect guy to. I openly admit I’ve got a soft spot for jazzy music so I quite this track, it sounds like it’s from the retro years and has been completely revamped and sounds amazing. The video accompanying this track is a 3 minute 25-second-long video with basic animation but is defo good viewing. For me this song is quite upbeat and has got a nice American style vocal sewn in with a rhythmic backbeat. Even if you’re not completely into jazz give it a try, I dare you.
Dnce
“Cake by The Ocean”
Joe Jonas’s new group since the split from his brother band and I admit it, I’m not a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers but I definitely didn’t see Joe putting this single out, it is seriously catchy. Very upbeat and probably one for the summer playlist and is just energetic listening. I saw Dnce perform this live on Graham Norton’s chat show, that was just over three minutes of my time actually not wasted. If there was ever proof that he’s veering away from his brother’s, this song’s it. The video accompanying this song both good, and a bit amusing; just Dnce performing whilst people grab chunks out of a huge wedge of cake then getting into a food fight. What you may or may not have known is that the song’s about sex on the beach. Joe Jonas, I think I may be seeing a completely different side to you.
Billboard Music Awards 2016: The results
The winners of the Billboards were announced as you will no doubt have heard. Some of the lucky recipients were; Rihanna who took home an award for Billboard Chart Achievement Award, courtesy of the fan-vote; The Weeknd won one for his song “The Hills”; Justin Bieber received an award for Top Male Artist, which is rather surprising in my opinion considering how he’s only been back in the charts for what seems like merely a year, (and spending at the last 1-2 behaving like a total pillock. Like I said; my own opinion); Thomas Rhett for his country song “Die a Happy Man”; and One Direction received an award for Top Duo/Group. Adele managed to scoop 5 awards, one for Top Female Artist and another for her album 25. If there was ever an example of Best of British, it’s clearly Adele. The Weeeknd was the clear winner of the night taking home 8 awards. Good for him. I admit I do like some of his music. Lastly the Queen of Pop, Madonna, paid tribute to the late singer, Prince, by singing the hit song ‘Nothing Compare 2U’
Elton John and Bright Light Bright Light on Graham Norton
Just been watching Elton John and Rod Thomas a.k.a Bright Light Bright Light perform their new single ‘All In The Name’ on the Graham Norton Show on BBC1. Not quite my thing in musical tastes but is wasn’t too bad a single. Apparently the guy (Rod) is Welsh, which is something I’ve partially got in common with him. Me being half Welsh. I’m going to give him 8 1/2 for his singing and musical ability but a 3 (out of 10) for the song performed. Sorry but I just didn’t really dig that particular track.
Zayn Malik vs Azealia Banks
An article I did for WhatsOn, read and enjoy. It’s to do with an argument Zayn and Azealia that escalated into something much bigger than it should.
http://uk.whatson.uk.com/azealia-v-zayn-war-of-the-musical-worlds/
Eurovision Song Contest 2016
Congrats are in order for Ukraine on winning Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with their song ‘1944’, courtesy of their singer Jamala. Unfortunately this has managed to rub Russia up the wrong way and are said to be intending to boycott next years’ edition. That’d be a first. They seem to think it’s an anti-Kremlin song. Personally I find it absolutely ironic (and hilarious) that for a country (formerly the USSR) that likes to strike fear into the hearts of the western world that they get worked up over rivalry victory and a Austrian drag queen.
On another note I admit voted for Hungary (Freddie) to win as I liked their entry but admit I was blown over by Georgia’s entry (Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz). Pity about Joe and Jake, 3rd to last. It was a nice treat seeing Justin Timberlake perform and I hope you enjoyed the show America.
All I can say is congratulations on your victory Ukraine, well done Jamala
Adele, (One of) the best of British
A small article I did for Whats On about soul singer Adele. Feel free to read and enjoy
http://uk.whatson.uk.com/adele-19-21-25-and-beyond/
Congratulations to Kevin Simm on winning The Voice UK 2016. I watched two of his performances and I admit I was impressed by his efforts as a solo artist, I am tempted to buy his debut album. Well done on your win Kevin.
Since his win I have had people say that because of his stint in Liberty X that he shouldn’t have been allowed on the show. My honest opinion is that that shouldn’t really have mattered much because many of the contacts that he made during his time in the band probably weren’t even his. And let’s face it there are many girl-groups/boy-bands out there who probably aren’t calling 100% of the shots were they’re careers are concerned.
