I listened to Rihanna’s latest track ‘Sledgehammer’ which is the theme tune to the upcoming Star Trek film Star Trek: Beyond earlier on today and I really like it. I’ve heard it on BBC Radio 1 numerous times and Rihanna just seems to get it each time you listen to her voice. The lyrics are just haunting and her voice is just captivating and the composition of the song works perfectly. Now I admit I’m not a huge Star Trek fan but I’m tempted to see the film after hearing her song.
A preview piece I did for the Nottingham Post in the lead up to the Sweetnotes Festival happening this weekend, The Hoosiers are headlining the main stage. Feel free to read the preview and enjoy
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Sweetnotes Festival will be coming to Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms and Red Rooms on Saturday July 16. The one-day festival starts at 2pm and goes on till 10pm. 8 hours of non-stop music with 13 acts…
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Today was the start of the infamous musical mecca of T in The Park and this time from its new location at Strathallan. With coverage presented by the incredible Scotswoman Edith Bowman on BBC4 (glad she’s not left the BBC) saw today’s highlights jam pack with live performances by Disclosure, Fun Lovin Criminal, The Courteeners and Jamie XX, all absolutely incredible. There was a new band on called Frightened Criminals who, I have to say, where just amazing. It was Alesso who stole the stole as the main headlining act with his electrifying set. Also there was an aftershow gig featuring a new duo called Roderigo Y Gabriela who were really good.
Singles Reviews
Iggy Azalea
“Team”
Yet another great song by the lovely singer from down under. Team hits all the right notes and both the lyrics and tune become an amazing hook. This latest offering is well and truly undeniable and offers new levels of raw energy and just makes great listening. Once again Iggy proves that she’s an independent woman and that she knows exactly how to handle herself. This is slowly starting to grow on me and I enjoy listening to it.
Meghan Trainor
“No”
I’ve heard this a couple of times and unfortunately I just overly impressed as it seems like she’s gone too much into a different style of music just a little too soon. I admit I’m not a huge fan of her and I did like “All About That Bass” and “Marvin Gaye” duet with Charlie Puth. I know it has some melody and is a little bit catchy but unfortunately I just didn’t get it. As an artist I like her but I just didn’t favour this song.
Jamie T
“Tin Foil Boy”
I heard this on Radio 1 a couple of days ago and I was deeply hooked within 1 minute of listening, it was even ‘track of the day’. Tin Foil Boy demonstrates Jamie’s ability as both a singer and songwriter. It’s got the right pitch, the right hook and the melody to go with it. Whenever I hear this is just sounds as raw and edgy as the last time. Packed with the right amount of angst and anger and the song’s just great to listen to, can’t get bored easily with this.
Just been watching Iggy Pop on The Graham Norton Show on BBC1 performing his new single, Sunday. All I can say his that even after 4 decades in the music industry he’s still got it. Total rock and roll and I have to admit that I had to switch back and forth between BBC 1 & 2 to catch a live glimpse of him. And for all of two minutes it was worth it, and he even gets right in there with the audience. Seriously, not many artists actually do that these days which is a bit of a shame, just makes the performance worth watching
Just finished watching Christine & The Queens perform their new single ‘Tilted’ live on The Graham Norton Show on BBC1, and as far as live performances go it was both distinctive and fascinating. The performance itself was an eye opener as it was like watching a music video right in front of you (and on TV). I genuinely would listen to that song again . If other French artists are anything like as good as what I’ve just seen with Christine & The Queens then I’m interested to see what other artists France has to offer. Keep an eye out for at Glastonbury as she’s said she’ll be live on The Other Stage. Can’t wait to see that.
A small preview piece that I did in the run up to this years’ MacMillan Fest in September. Read and enjoy
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More than £20,000 has been raised for good causes since Macmillan Fest first started seven years ago and this year organisers are hoping to add another five grand to the total. The one day…
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Just been watching Tom Odell perform his latest single ‘Magnetised’ on The Graham Norton Show on BBC1, what an absolute tune. I loved it. Odell is an amazing artist in the making and that was one fantastic live performance tonight. Tom will be performing at Glastonbury the is year, look forward to hearing him singing this song. Taken from his new album Wrong Crowd, if any of the other songs are as good as Magnetised then I’m definitely getting the album.
Watched two amazingly talented women on TV tonight; Alicia Keys perform her new single ‘In Common’, live on the Graham Norton Show on BBC1. And Laura Mvula on The One Show. Ms Keys was as great as ever and her new single sounds fresh and different to what she’s originally done in the past. For me, what made this even more raw was that she had no make-up whatsoever. Other than that the new song’s actually quite good, I look forward to hearing more of it.
Laura Mvula performed live from the Eden Project in Cornwall in front of an audience of hundreds, and it was just incredible. Her new song ‘Phenomenal Woman is the perfect blend of rock and R&B with a little bit of soul in the mix. The lyrics were energetic, fresh and all in all, lively. This is one woman who’s talents and music I admit I am drawn to, despite being more of a rock/soul and dance guy.
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.
Adam's Journal 