new music

Christine & The Queens on The Graham Norton Show

June 17, 2016 — 2 Comments

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.

 

Preview article for Nottingham Post

June 14, 2016 — Leave a comment

A small preview piece that I did in the run up to this years’ MacMillan Fest in September. Read and enjoy

 
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…

Tom Odell on The Graham Norton Show

June 10, 2016 — 4 Comments

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.

Alicia Keys on The Graham Norton Show and Laura Mvula on The One Show

June 3, 2016 — 5 Comments

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.

 

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter: The Highlights

May 29, 2016 — 26 Comments

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

May 29, 2016 — Leave a comment

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

May 27, 2016 — Leave a comment

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.

Elton John and Bright Light Bright Light on Graham Norton

May 21, 2016 — Leave a comment

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.

Eurovision Song Contest 2016

May 16, 2016 — Leave a comment

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

The Pet Shop Boys on The Graham Norton Show

March 25, 2016 — Leave a comment

Just been listening to the Pet Shop Boys perform their latest single “Pop Kids” on the Graham Norton Show, it actually sounds really good. Though their sound’s more 80’s/90’s it still sounds good today. Neil Tennant still sounds as good as ever. I may end up being tempted to buy the album if the rest of the album’s any good.