It's all about music

U2 and Eno Again

2009-04-11T03:27:00.001-07:00

Producer says they're off to the studio

10 April 2009 - Brian Eno’s revealed that he’s heading back into the studio with U2 next week.

The legendary producer didn’t give any more details at all – but made the comment at the very end of an event last night in which he discussed philosophy and politics with US trumpeter and composer Jon Hassell.The talk at London's South Bank Centre was the opening to this year’s Ether Festival, and on Sunday and Monday night Eno will perform alongside David Byrne as part of the same event.

The legendary producer and former Roxy Music member is credited with the invention of ambient music, and during his career has worked with the likes of Talking Heads, David Bowie, U2 and Coldplay as well as producing numerous world music records.

Hassell collaborated with Eno on the 1980 album ‘Fourth World Vol. 1: Possible Musics,’ and early in his musical career worked with the revered composer and sound pioneer Karlheinz Stockhausen.

In his career Eno has recorded more than forty solo and collaborative studio albums, beginning in 1973 with Here Come The Warm Jets, and most recently last year’s Whatever Happens Will Happen Today with David Byrne.

6 Music will be at Byrne and Eno’s gig on Sunday night – so tune in to our music news bulletins and check the website on Monday for reviews and reaction from fans.

Rodrigo Davies

The Specials return

2009-04-09T18:33:00.001-07:00

The ska legends play at the BBC for the first time in 25 years and drop Glasto hint

08 April 2009 - The Specials made their live return at the BBC last night (April 7) with an appearance on Later...With Jools Holland.The legendary ska band minus Jerry Dammers, bizarrely returned to the scene of their split after a Top Of The Pops appearance at the Television Centre over 25 years ago.

"The last time we were in this building, we did 'Ghost Town' so it's a strange feeling, it's like going back in time." said founding member Lynval Golding ."I keep thinking, 'Did it really happen? Has 20 something years really gone by? We all need reading glasses now."

The line-up of Terry Hall, Golding, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers, Horace Panter and John Bradbury are set to embark on their 30th anniversary reunion tour later this month.

They made a surprise guest appearance at Bestival last September. Hall and Golding also joined Lily Allen onstage at Glastonbury in 2007."I keep thinking, 'Did it really happen? Has 20 something years really gone by? We all need reading glasses now." Lynval Golding

Golding hinted that the reformed Coventry collective may make an appearance at this year's Glastonbury Festival."There is a possibility of us doing it," he said. "Look out for that one."

The Specials kick off their reunion tour on 22 April in Newcastle before they wrap up with a special homecoming show in Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on 15 May.

Despite their time away Golding said he's amazed at how many of their tracks are still relevant today.

He added: "'Too Much Too Young' is about how the number of kids having kids keeps going up and 'Concrete Jungle' is about knife violence. It feels like nothing has changed."

YYYs go electro

2009-04-08T09:07:00.001-07:00

The New York trio talk about re-tooling their sound for It's Blitz

08 April 2009 - Yeah Yeah Yeahs have argued that they deliberately decided to go for a more electro feel on their new albumIt's Blitz.

Singer Karen O said it felt like the "next step along the path" for the New York trio following the release of their last EPIs Is."I guess an electronic and more synthesised sound felt right this time," she told 6 Music.

"We moved away from the raw rock that we recently did and freed up the direction for something new."

"It just sort of came in the course of writing and recording the record," guitarist Nick Zinner continued."It's really what seemed to work the best for us."

Another reason for their new polished direction was largely down to the record's co-producer, TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek, who worked on their previous two albums.

"Dave possesses this radical quality that transforms songs," explains drummer Brian Chase.

"We took what we did with our main producer Nick (Launey) to Dave and he was like, 'You have to try new ideas and experiment.""It knocked the wind out of our sails a little bit at first."Karen O on Yeah Yeah Yeahs' album leaking

It's Blitz,which is out this week, was leaked ahead of its official physical release on February 23, forcing the band to push the album digitally soon after.

Karen admitted that she was initially disappointed when she heard the album slipped through the net.

"We were really excited about building this excitement around the new record," she sighed."So it knocked the wind out of our sails a little bit at first.

"But at the same time we were lucky because there was a pretty positive reception with the leak."

During their three years out of the spotlight the band have been keeping busy on various side projects most notably the soundtrack to Spike Jonze's new movie 'Where The Wild Things Are'.

Karen roped in her fellow band members, Arcade Fire, The Raconteurs and Deerhunter for the score, which is based on a childhood book.

"My favourite things are music and film and the marriage between the two of them so I was really excited about putting this together," she enthused.

The trio are set to headline this year's Camden Crawl on 24 April and Zinner said their songs are likely to take on a different form live.

"We've had to re-interpret the songs live so it won't sound the same as the studio album," he added.

"I think Nick has about 30 pedals now,"Karen joked. "They’re like bunnies they multiply."

Penate grows up

2009-04-07T16:06:00.001-07:00

The singer-song writer teams up with Adele and Paul Epworth on his dark second album

06 April 2009 - Jack Penate has teamed up with Bloc Party and Kate Nash producer Paul Epworth for his "life changing" new album.

His as-yet-untitled second record also saw the singer/songwriter join forces with his old friend Adele and Norman Cook as he retreated to a box studio in Kensal Rise.

The singer's first single 'Tonight's Today' marks a significant change of direction for Penate. We caught up with him to get the lowdown on his new record.

Tell me about your influences on this album. It seems like it's going in a really different direction?

It is a lot more dance orientated, introspective and emotional as a whole. The idea was to create dance music for people to cry to. That was the basis me and Paul worked closely together to try and create.

Something which had complete atmosphere and soul and also which you could dance and have fun to.Does a lot of the content stem from your own personal experiences?Yeah completely. The last record was a lot of fantasy really, a lot of teenage fantasy which is wonderful and what you should be doing as a teenager, making up love stories.But this one is about real life. I can kind of pinpoint a song to a time of my life or a situation. I just realised I definitely wanted to create something which was completely true to me. I've tried not to be too overt and be more subtle in my lyrics."Her voice always makes such an impact onanything" Jack Penate on working with AdeleHow do you look back on your debutMatineenow?

“That album was such a wonderful experience and incredibly naive in many ways. I look back and it seems like a different me. I really enjoy playing it but that’s probably as far as it goes.

It doesn’t gel with who I am now but I still completely respect it. It's just I can’t see where Matinee fits in with me now.”

The video seems dreamy and free?

The video is inspired by a film I really love and the director turned me onto. I thought, 'Yeah why I don’t I do a black and white video where I kind of kiss a guy?'. I didn’t really see any point in holding back.

I think I almost hid who I was before but I think you do as a teenager.

I would say misrepresentation is too big a word but I may have sent people on a different tangent to who they thought I was. But now I’m more comfortable with myself.

Paul Epworth has a pretty amazing CV with Bloc Party, Kate Nash and Florence And The Machine. What was the relationship with him like?It was incredibly intense and very special. He is in the same mindframe as me in a kind of do or die sense.I learned a ridiculous amount not just about music but about recording, about producing. We did it all in a tiny room on a complete shoe string and it still sounds amazing.Did you work on the track 'Let's All Die' with Fatboy Slim?I did the sessions with him but because it wasn't done live it maybe didn't quite feel quite like I wanted it to. Unfortunately we didn't use his version in the end. Norman still played a big part in it but Paul helped me re-do the song in the end.What is that song about?Let's All Die is a celebration of death. It's completely joyous. It's basically about me going to New Orleans when I was 18 or 19 and seeing a funeral procession.There was this brass band and people were dressing up and dancing.Adele features on guest vocals on this record too. How was that?She was in Notting Hill and I just phoned her and said, 'Can you do this song?' As always she came in and killed it.Her voice always makes such an impact on anything because it’s the most beautiful thing.'Tonight's Today' is out now.Damian Jones

Rappers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

2009-04-05T17:56:00.001-07:00

05 April 2009 - Run-DMC have officially been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

The duo were honoured during a star-studded gala and Eminem gave the rap pioneers their award and telling them how their music changed his life as a boy growing up in Detroit.

Run-DMC broke down the barriers between rock and rap and helped push rap and hip hop into mainstream pop culture with hit albums like 1986's "Raising Hell."

That album featured the lead single "Walk This Way," a cover of the classic Aerosmith song of the same name. It fused rap and rock and appealed to fan’s of both genres.

Eminem explained how the group had inspired him:

"They broke away from the pack by being the pack," he said.

"They were the baddest of the bad and the coolest of the cool. Run-DMC changed my life. There's three of them and if you grew up with hip hop like I did, they were the Beatles.""They were the baddest of the bad and the coolest of the cool. Run-DMC changed my life."Eminem on Run DMC

The two remaining members of the group Joseph "DJ Run" Simmons and Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels explained how their music grew and developed:

"We were young guys with a new music that people thought was a fad, but we knew the culture was a way of life and we just lived it," McDaniels said.

"The music that we made then didn't just impact friends, it impacted a generation. So I guess that's what rock and roll does."

Any chance of a Run reunion ended with Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell's death in 2002, when he was shot to death outside his studio. His murder remains unsolved.

Mizell's mother, Connie, accepted the award on his behalf.

"My baby is still doing it for me," she said.

Antony goes techno

2009-04-03T17:56:00.001-07:00

Hegarty teams up with Bjork collaborator to re-work set for Coachella

02 April 2009 - Antony Hegarty surprised a few people with an album from his disco side-project Hercules and Love Affair in 2008.

2009 will see the Antony And The Johnsons mastermind delving into the world of techno.

The Mercury Prize-winner has revealed he's linking up with Matthew Herbert, the acclaimed producer who has worked with the Icelandic queen of beats, Bjork, in the past.

Hegarty and Herbert are working together on mashing up his latest album,The Crying Light, for Coachella festival in the US between 17-19 April.Speaking exclusively to 6 Music, Antony told us what he's got in store: “We’ve been re-imagining some of the songs from my album as techno songs. I’m curious to keep exploring.”As for how the collaboration came about, he said: “I wanted to do some kind of vivisection, beak a song apart and just pull out its innards, hang them up on a line look at them and reconfigure them.“Also, because festivals are so impossible to do with my instrumentation because it’s all so twee, it just fades away in the distance.”"We've been re-imagining some of the songs from my album as techno songs."

Antony Hegarty

The singer said the festival setting isn’t always ideal for his live shows.

“People are throwing beers at each other,” he laughed. “No one cares about these tiny little sounds so for a festival you want something that’s more structural and stalwart, a sound that’s just gonna load itself into their computer.”

Herbert has produced and remixed artists from REM, Yoko Ono and Serge Gainsbourg to John Cale and Roisin Murphy.

Of his friend, who is also a classically trained pianist, Hegarty said: “He’s great. He’s a mad scientist, kind of like Professor Brainstorm. I used to read a lot of those books as a kid.”

It’s a possibility that fans in England might get to see the final results.

“We might do it at a festival in England too,” said Hegarty. “I’m not quite sure yet, someone will tell me in the end.”

Jean Michel Jarre tribute

2009-04-02T12:32:00.001-07:00

After Maurice Jarre's death his son discusses the Dr Zhivago composer's legacy

01 April 2009 - Electronic musician and performer Jean Michel Jarre has paid tribute to his late father Maurice Jarre.

Aged 84, Maurice won Oscars for his evocative scores ofLawrence Of Arabia,Doctor ZhivagoandA Passage To India.

Born in Lyon in 1924, the composer died in Los Angeles last weekend (Sunday 29 March) after a long battle with cancer.

"I think his legacy is to have been amongst those who really revolutionised the modern soundtracks world," said Jean Michel.The pioneer of synthesised music told BBC 6 Music: "The specificity of his work and his talent was to create such strong moods and melodies attached to movies forever.

"You can listen to three notes of the soundtrack ofLawrence Of ArabiaorDr Zhivagoand it's a very strong reminder of the whole movie."Recognised particularly for his work on the David Lean epics, Maurice Jarre received an Oscar, six Academy Award nominations, two Bafta Awards, four Golden Globes and a Grammy throughout his career.He last appeared in public in February, when he was awarded a lifetime award at the Berlin Film Festival."I'm quite moved by starting this world tour and carrying and conveying and spreading his name all around the planet."

Jean Michel Jarre

Jean-Michel explained why his father's soundtracks were so different to those made today.

"It's quite unusual in the soundtrack world, apparently these days, where you have more of a tracklisting of songs but not the exploitation of a theme all through the movie, in a rather hypnotic way.

"He was amongst those who really revolutionised the modern soundtracks world," he said.

Jean Michel believes his In-Doors World Arena Tour, which kicks off in May, is an opportunity to keep the memory of his father alive.

Adding: "I must say that I'm quite moved by starting this world tour and carrying and conveying and spreading his name all around the planet, in the next few days and weeks, so it's kind of a continuity."

Brooklyn-based band head into the studio to record follow-up to The Boxer

2009-03-31T23:34:00.001-07:00

31 March 2009 - Melancholic indie band The National have said their new material features “higher” and “louder” singing from frontman Matt Berninger.

Their critically-acclaimed last albumThe Boxerwas released in 2007 and guitarist, pianist and bassist Aaron Dessner told 6 Music how far along they are with its follow-up.

“We’ve written a lot of music and Matt [Berninger], who sings, has been sitting with it and writing a lot of lyrics,” he explained. “I think he’s getting close to having a lot of finished songs that we’ll start recording.”

Speaking of the location, the band have built a recording studio in Dessner’s garage.“It’s like we’re in Disney land or something,” he said laughingly. “We feel like Metallica.”

They are due to head into the studio in the next couple of weeks: “I think we’re going to start recording in April and be done with it in the fall and I guess it will come out in early 2010.”

Fans of their last offering should be prepared for a different style of vocals.

"Matt is singing a lot higher and a lot louder."

Aaron Dessner

“We always challenge ourselves to change what we’re doing and experiment with form and the aesthetic of how we’re recording things,” Dessner explained. “But I can’t really say yet exactly how it will be different, except that Matt is singing a lot higher and a lot louder.”He added: “He’s not murmuring so much likeThe Boxer, which I’m kind of glad about, and there’s one new song which seems to have more lyrics than the entire album ofBoxerso that was amusing.”

The band have already road-tested some new tracks at gigs; they recently performed Karamazov and Wake Up Your Saints at a benefit for Tibet House in New York.

Dessner admitted it was a risk: “We never really debut songs live because we’re too nervous and it takes us too long so figure out what they are, but it was a really good sign of where things are going because it went really well.”

They have just announced a string of North American dates in May, with dates in Toronto, Washington DC and Atlanta.

Georgie Rogers

Ornette Coleman to curate Meltdown 2009 at the South Bank Centre

2009-03-31T01:03:00.001-07:00

29 March 2009 - It was announced today that the 'free jazz' legend will be the artistic director of the festival, which takes place between the 13th and 21st June.

It’s 50 years since Coleman exploded into people’s consciousness with his ‘free jazz’ revolution. He pioneered the idea of improvising without chord changes, which is widely regarded to have changed the musical landscape at the time.

And half a century later Coleman is still making headlines, his 2006 albumSound Grammar won thePulitzer Prize, in 2007 he received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and that same year the saxophonist played the Royal Festival Hall to rave reviews.

Coleman revealed his hopes for Meltdown 2009:

"I hope this festival will leave us with a lot of love for all mankind. We will use this time to gather together and create things that we love and believe in."

"I hope this festival will leave us with a lot of love for all mankind."Ornette Coleman

Jude Kelly, the Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director, explained their decision to enlist Coleman:

"We are delighted that the man who took the world in an entirely unexpected direction in 1959, and who continues to inspire, innovate and surprise fifty years on, has accepted our invitation to create a festival."

The full line-up for the event is still to be announced but it’s confirmed that Coleman will perform two very special concerts. One is inspired by his 1959 releaseThe Shape of Jazz to Comeand the other by his 1961 releaseThis Is Our Music. Both concerts will take place in the Royal Festival Hall.Previous Meltdown curators include Massive Attack and Jarvis and acts including David Bowie, Morrissey and Patti Smith have all performed at the event.Elizabeth Alker

Astoria’s Silent Goodbye

2009-03-29T09:28:00.001-07:00

Fans gather to campaign for replacement venue

28 March 2009 - A small group of campaigners took part in a silent disco outside the Astoria in central London in a bid to get more information about the venue’s replacement.

The Astoria shut its doors for the last time in January after a £16 billion Crossrail development finally got the green light.

The deal included guarantees that a venue of similar size would be built in central London to make up for the loss of one of the capital’s best loved music venues.

Facebook groups and a petition have been set up to pressure Westminster Council and Crossrail into announcing who will be responsible for the new build.

Despite their attempts to find out more information, protest organiser India Walker told 6 Music they’re being kept in the dark:

“We’re going to keep writing to Boris Johnson and Crossrail and Westminster Council until we find out who is responsible because they each are saying each other.

“We’re going to bug them until we get a similar venue built.”

Organisers were probably hoping for a larger turnout for the Astoria’s final send off, but perhaps the hail, rain and higher profile G20 protests in Hyde Park took some potential silent disco-ers away.

One protestor told 6 Music why she was there, “I came down, just to remind myself of what good times I had within this building. It’s a shame that it’s going in its entirety, I was hoping they would keep some of the front.”

Another added, “I think we haven’t got sufficient information about what’s going on.”

A police riot van and some security fencing were on stand by, however, the protest was peaceful with campaigners handing out flyers and dancing to the sounds coming from their MP3 players.

Rather fittingly, it was a silent goodbye to a now silent venue.

Will Drysdale

Dolly Parton exclusive

2009-03-27T18:23:00.001-07:00

Country queen discusses 9 to 5: The Musical, film plans and considers Glastonbury

27 March 2009 - A musical, scored by Dolly Parton, of the iconic film 9 to 5 is opening on Broadway next month.The country star played the role of Doralee Rhodes in the comedy film in 1980.

Staged by Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello, the theatre version is currently rehearsing; previews begin on 7 April with the opening night taking place in New York on 30 April.9 to 5: The Musicalreceived rave reviews when it was staged at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, it includes the Oscar nominated title track as well as 18 original numbers written by Parton.The multiple Grammy-award winning songwriter's career dates back to 1959 with a back catalogue including hits Jolene, I Will Always Love You and Islands In The Stream.In an interview with BBC 6 Music, the 63 year-old star discusses the stage production, reveals her plans for a film and Broadway show of her life and says she would consider performing at Glastonbury.

This is the first time you've done a musical on Broadway. Are you nervous about the whole thing?

DP: I think I'm more excited really, it borders on being nervous but I've never done this before so I've just got those butterflies in my stomach, mostly hoping that it does good. Never doing this before you just don't know what to expect but I got in there and gritted my teeth, rolled up my sleeves and did the best I could. Everybody seems to think it's good. I was very honoured when I won the Drama Critics award in Los Angeles for the music because I thought that was a good indication for Broadway.

Was it quite a challenge for you writing music for a musical rather than the album format?

DP: It was a little different. There was a little bit more freedom in it. You can just write until you've said what you think the character needed to say. I got a chance to write for different personalities, for the men, the Mr Hart character. I got a big kick out of doing that and performing his part in my manly voice and writing what I think a man would think. I had my Father, all my uncles and I have six brothers and all these nephews and a husband as well so I really know how men think. It was fun and of course I know what women think, so that was the easy part.

Will we get to see the musical in the UK. Are there plans to tour it?

DP: Yes I think there will. If we stay on Broadway, if it is a hit then I'm sure at some point it will be travelling and certainly I would think it would go to London. I haven't heard that for sure but I just always thought it would.

Were you involved in picking the person that played your role?

DP: I've been involved in every bit of it from the beginning, in the producer's role as well with the production team. I've been there through all the casting. The girl that we wound up with to play Doralee Rhodes, her name is Megan Hilty and she is just the cutest thing. She's a lot prettier than I have ever been or ever will be but she's got the essence of me. She's a little short person, like me, with all the big hair and she's studied my accents and she's a great singer.

"We'll certainly maybe one of these times get a chance to do it."Dolly Parton on Glastonbury

In fact I'm thinking about doing a story of my life in movies real soon and I'm gonna make sure that they audition her for the part for the movie as well, because she wound up being so cute. When she comes on everybody thinks they're watching me.Is the movie something you would like to do soon?DP: It's one of my next projects so hopefully within a year and half or so we may have a movie out of my life. I'd also love to take my life story to Broadway as a musical and I have been writing lots of songs on that. I want to do a lot of children's projects, children's albums children's books so that's another of my big projects to further.Looking back at the film, it must be nice seeing how attitudes have changed to women in the work place?DP: We really have come a long way. It brought a lot of attention to that and a lot of changes have been made because of that little movie, but Jane Fonda is the one that should get the real credit for that because she is the one that came up with the original idea and got people to write it. She's the one that chose Lily [Tomlin] and me so she's really the momma of that whole thing.You have become a producer, a writer and you own your own companies across the world.How do you feel about being held up as an icon of successful womanhood?DP: I've always been so busy doing my work that I don't think about what I've accomplished I just think about what I'm gonna accomplish next. I'm very proud and very humbled by everything good that's happened to me. I've worked my butt off there's no doubt, and I'll continue to do that, but it's a nice compliment when people talk nice about you.Next year is the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury. Would you consider doing it?DP: Well I would certainly consider it. We've got a lot of things going on. I couldn't promise that I'd do it but we'll certainly maybe one of these times get a chance to do it.Georgie Rogers

Kasabian album freebie

2009-03-26T15:03:00.001-07:00

Band giving away a turbo-charged track from their Empire follow-up

26 March 2009 - Vlad The Impaler from Kasabian’s third record,The West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum, will become available on 31 March.

The album is not out until 8 June but fans will be able to download one of the tracks off it for free from their official website for a period of four days, until midnight on 13 April.

The song was written by guitarist and vocalist Serge Pizzorno with assistance on production from Dan The Automator, famed for his work with Gorillaz and DJ Shadow.

“Vlad is a total chaos tune,” explained Serge. “It’s a call out to all our people, the ones who are tuned into our radio station.”

The track’s music video features Noel Fielding and was filmed on a potato farm outside Doncaster.

The Mighty Boosh star plays a character who causes havoc at every turn in the video, which was directed by Richard Ayoade. His credits include Arctic Monkeys and Vampire Weekend.

The first single from the latest batch will be Fire, out on 1 June.The band are performing at the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow (26 March) as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs and you'll be able to hear from them on the Music Week here on 6 Music at 1pm GMT on Sunday 29 March.

PRS launch website

2009-03-26T00:18:00.001-07:00

Marillion, Jools Holland and Pete Waterman back new initiative

25 March 2009 - A new website designed to act as a body for songwriters to protect their music on the web was launched today.

The Performing Rights Society has set up Fairplayforcreators.com to highlight the "issues of online earnings."

This follows the row between YouTube and PRS over royalty rates, which resulted in the removal of thousands of music videos from the site.Artists, songwriters, broadcasters and record producer Pete Waterman have all posted messages on the site.

The intention of the site is to encourage internet giant Google to re-instate the premium music videos on YouTube.

Adrian Crooks, a spokesman for PRS told BBC 6 Music: "The website is also saying, along with music fans, 'Lets get the music back up on YouTube so that everyone can enjoy it, but lets make sure the people who have created the music are properly rewarded for providing the business benefit'.

"It's to demonstrate a strength of feeling amongst creators, to demonstrate also that very often PRS for music is seen as an organisation that stops access to the music and that's not what it does. That's not what it's there for."Artists backingMusic industry members from radio, television presenter Paul Gambaccini, Jools Holland and even the writers of the Eastenders and Peep Show theme-tunes are all behind the initiative.Music industry mogul Pete Waterman has joined the debate and stated: "YouTube is not alone in the online hall of shame where the worthy notion of greater consumer choice is used as a cloak to disguise the fact that copyright infringement happens on a grand scale."Keyboardist, Mark Kelly, for the British rock group Marillion who have been active since 1972 said YouTube is, "a great resource", but admitted he has seen little monetary benefit from his material being on the site."There have been maybe 10 million views of Marillion's material on YouTube and in my last PRS statement I received 0.6 pence from them," he explained."If we get 0.6 pence for 10 million views, we'd need billions of views to see any real money."

Marillion keyboardist

"There's a bit of a gap I think between what they should be paying and what they actually are paying, certainly in our case.

"I'm not sure what that works out at but if we get 0.6 pence for 10 million views, we'd need billions of views to see any real money."

In his post on the Fairplayforcreators.com site, Waterman claimed his PRS income for the year to September 2008 came to a total of £11, for more than 100 million plays on YouTube of Never Gonna Give You Up, which he co-wrote with Rick Astley.

YouTube respond

PRS revealed discussions are continuing with YouTube to put in place a new license.

Google has reacted to the initiative by issuing a statement: "We absolutely believe that artists and songwriters should make money from the use of their material. We previously had a license with the PRS to enable this to happen and we're very committed to reaching terms so that we can renew our license."

It continued: "YouTube cannot be expected to engage in a business in which it loses money every time a music video is played - that is simply not a sustainable business model."Georgie Rogers

Kraftwerk for MIF

2009-03-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

Antony and the Johnsons, Elbow and Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson too

19 March 2009 - Much of it is risky; all of it is new and 30% totally free. The second Manchester International Festival has drawn and fused artists together from all over the globe with truly weird and wonderful collaborations.

Alex Poots, festival director, believes that the draw is partly due to the affection Manchester is held in: "We’re the first commissioning festival and the city allows artists to experiment away from the pressures that you get in capital cities. All the artists are put in one hotel so we’re expecting many more interesting collaborations to come off the back."

Despite set backs and financial woes, Alex and the organisers have pulled an intriguing and beguiling programme out of the bag. The festival opens with Kraftwerk and American composer Steve Reich at the Velodrome.

Documentary maker Adam Curtis and Punchdrunk’s Felix Barrett are collaborating on a 'haunted house' experience exploring America’s intoxication of the world, with a score written by Damon Albarn.

Rufus Wainwright is facing the challenge of a lifetime, creating the French opera ‘Prima Donna’."It’s a love letter to the city"- Guy Garvey, Elbow

Visual artist Marina Abramovi is asking audiences for a whole 4 hour commitment to see her work of 15 live artists, as an exploration of time poverty, while Gustav Metzger will be uprooting 21 trees to highlight the brutality in which we treat the earth.

Along with the international names the festival has invited work and contributions from local people communities, not so much northern social realism more like northern social surrealism.

Manchester’s favourite son, Guy Garvey gets to fulfill his lifetime ambition of working with the Halle orchestra, with Salford composer, Joe Dardell, helping to orchestrate Elbow’s work: "It’s a love letter to the city, thousands of international students and communities choose to come here, they choose Manchester and they fill the city with new life".

Manchester International Festival 2-19 July 2009

Victoria Baker

Metallica play SXSW

2009-03-21T15:17:00.001-07:00

Music veterans pose as newcomers to crowd of just 2,000 in Austin

21 March 2009 - Metallica played an intimate show at South By South West last night. The gig came after rumours and speculation that they would play at the Guitar Hero Metallica party.

The Los Angeles outfit took to the stage at the festival in Austin, Texas, playing a mix of classic tracks and songs from their most recent album Death Magnetic.

The four-piece attempted to pose as newcomers at the gig, playing to a crowd of just 2,000. Frontman James Hetfield told the audience "We're a young band from Norway and we want to get signed" before launching into their 12 song set.

Die hard Metallica lined up outside the venue, Stubbs, for a chance to see their favourite band up close.

The heavy metal outfit played for an hour, watched by members of Janes' Addiction and the Duke Spirit.

Elsewhere at the festival, Graham Coxon was showcasing tunes from his next solo album, the concept record The Spinning Top. He told 6 Music the festival feels like boot camp: “I’ve got a show every day. I’ve never played these songs so this is like jumping into a fire and seeing what happens."We're a young band from Norway and we want to get signed"James Hetfield

“It was alright for a couple of days, because it was all so surreal with the jetlag and it being so hot it didn’t really matter…but now I’m fully aware.”

Coxon explained why he chose to debut his new material in Austin, rather than in the UK. “No one really knows the songs so if I screw them up they don’t know. I think American audiences are very appreciative, they’re very enthusiastic and will allow me quite a few mistakes.

“I can actually get to grips with feeling a bit more confident away from home with the songs.”

Scottish outfit Dananananakroyd are also in Austin. At the start of the third day of the festival, John from the Glaswegian outfit told us the band were on a pretty hectic schedule. “We’re playing the Scottish showcase with Primal Scream, Glasvegas and the Proclaimers.

“We’re doing a radio session, some press stuff, and then we have Sunday off to recover. Then we come back on Monday and go on tour two days later.”

You can hear more from SXSW 2009 by tuning into theMusic Week on Sunday at 1pm GMT.

Victoria Hannaford

No Roses reunion

2009-03-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

Ian Brown, John Squire and Stone Roses biographer quash reformation rumours

18 March 2009 - Ian Brown's label, John Squire and a Stone Roses biographer all say rumours of a 21-date reunion tour are untrue.

According to an article in the Daily Mirror, the band were to reform to coincide with the 20th Anniversary of their seminal debut.But frontman Ian Brown is focusing on his solo career, while John Squire is concentrating on his art exhibitions.

"I guess the 20th anniversary of the album has got folk speculating," said a spokeswoman for the former guitarist.

The statement added: "John Squire has just completed another exhibition in London and has plans to take it to Japan in July. Right now this is his priority."

A spokeswoman at Brown's label Fiction/Polydor said: "We know nothing about this. Ian is working on his new studio album which is due out later this year.""We know nothing about this. Ian is working on his new studio album which is due out later this year."

Ian Brown spokeswoman

The Stone Roses split up in 1996. A re-mastered version of their debut album, The Stone Roses, is being released this summer.

John Robb, author of The Stone Roses And The Resurrection Of British Pop, told BBC 6 Music: "As far as I know the Roses aren't getting back together again."

Talking about his latest contact with the band, Robb said: "The way they were talking, the situation hadn't changed to what it was two or three years ago."

He added that Primal Scream bassist Mani - real name Gary Mounfield - wasn't opposed to a reunion."I spoke to Mani three days ago," said Robb. "He's saying he'd love to get the Roses back together again... so either it's an elaborate triple bluff or it's just wishful thinking."

Crisis hidden gigs

2009-03-18T06:42:00.001-07:00

Hot Chip, Filthy Dukes, The Bluetones, Dodgy join forces for charity

18 March 2009 - A host of bands are set to perform nine hidden shows across London in May and June, in support of the homeless charity Crisis.

Indie-electro dance outfit Hot Chip - who are doing a limited amount of shows while they are in the studio working on their follow-up toMade In The Dark- and guests will kick off proceedings on 5 May.

The series will also see Dodgy and The Bluetones perform somewhere secret on Sunday 17 May.

Other acts confirmed include Filthy Dukes, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cuban Brothers, The Bays and The Pipettes, with more artists to be confirmed at a later date.

In keeping with the ‘hidden’ theme, the venues will be disclosed on the day of the gig, via text message, and Chief Fundraiser Andy Page explained why: “The purpose really is to help us promote the issues of those that are the hidden homeless in London, not those that you see on the street, but the thousands of people who actually move from day to day or live on friends floors, those that you don’t see.”"Some of them will actually be curating those evenings themselves and bringing other bands along with them."

Andy Page

All proceeds will go towards Crisis and Page told 6 Music it all came about after a hugely successful show last year with Paul Weller at the Roundhouse in Camden.

“From that, the music industry has connected itself with Crisis and once news got out that this was something that we were planning to do, we found that different labels and other agents were very keen to bring the bands in that we were looking for.He went on to say fans can look forward to some surprises: “The bands themselves have really offered their time and involvement and have come up with ideas. Some of them will actually be curating those evenings themselves and bringing other bands along with them.”

Crisis consequences

It’s not the first time the charity has teamed up with musicians to raise cash and awareness.

Last year approximately a quarter of a million pounds was raised with the Crisis Consequences single, which featured contributions from the likes of Gossip’s Beth Ditto, Paul Weller, Supergrass, Graham Coxon and New Young Pony Club.

Paul Epworth, who’s produced the likes of Jack Penate, Bloc Party and Maximo Park was the musical brains behind the project.

He told us about the process of making the track: “It was a really enjoyable thing to do, quite stressful but what we set out to achieve was to create something that was a little bit grand and that was definable by its scale. I think we succeeded.

“I think actually we wrote quite a good piece of music considering it was a bit like cutting and pasting different peoples ideas and trying to work with them on the fly.”

As for future release plans Andy Page revealed they are planning to take live recordings of the series, in order to put together a CD or look at putting out various downloads.

Tickets go on sale at 11am GMT on Wednesday 18 March and are available from.

Relaxed Maximo Park

2009-03-17T13:17:00.001-07:00

Frontman Paul Smith on a more democratic kind of recording session

17 March 2009 - After a two year break Newcastle quintet Maximo Park are preparing a return into the music world with their new albumQuicken The Heart.

It's set to be released on 11 May and will be followed by a sold out UK tour kicking off on May 13 in their hometown.

As for the album itself, vocalist Paul Smith thinks it's a different record to their second offeringOur Earthly Pleasuresin 2007.

“It was a very fresh experience for us and I think people can hear that in the music,” he told 6 Music. “The last two times it’s also been quite a fun experience, a bit more tense I would say than the new record. It seems a bit more relaxed on our part. We’re a bit more relaxed as people.”‘A compromise’It was an enjoyable process, according to the Smith, who said the group's democratic approach worked well: “From a guy who lives in Newcastle’s perspective going to London’s just like a holiday really."It seems a bit more relaxed on our part. We’re a bit more relaxed as people."

Paul Smith

“Somebody’s giving you money to make a record and that’s all you ever wanted to do so making a record is a very pleasurable time.

“Obviously there’s a lot of frustration that goes into making a record and especially working in a band with five people, nobody’s the leader, we’re all trying to be as democratic as possible.”

Yeah Yeah Yeahs producer Nick Launay took up production duties on the Geordie band's third offering.

“If one person took the lead,” Smith continued. “We’d all be a bit disappointed and we wouldn’t really feel like we were getting anywhere artistically. I think you’ve got to express yourself and being in a group is a compromise. At the end of the process the 12 songs have a chunk of each of us in all of the songs.”

‘Kid with a new toy’

The band are also looking forward to getting back onto the gig circuit, Smith said, after tickets for their UK tour were snapped up so quickly.

“It was really nice that it sold out,” the singer continued, “It kind of shows that people who like our band aren’t fly by nights and neither is the band so from that point of view we were all extremely excited.

“When you’ve got a bunch of new songs it’s like a kid with a new toy, you just wanna play them, you just want to get them out there, and show off a little bit.”The band have also announced a warm up date for the full tour on 7 April at the MandelaHall in Belfast and they’ve also been confirmed for Scotland’s T In The Park festival this summer.The first track from the album, Wraithlike, is available for free download from theirofficial website.

Feargal Sharkey labels Google's actions 'cynical' and 'manipulative'

2009-03-16T09:42:00.001-07:00

13 March 2009 - Head of UK Music has expressed his views on the YouTube – Performing Rights Society dispute and believes Google’s actions are damaging to the music industry.

Feargal Sharkey claims YouTube manipulated the situation by briefing the media with the announcement that it was blocking official music and promotional videos, the day before they were due to discuss their new license with PRS, which expired in December 2008.

“I think it's a fairly blatant, cynical, manipulative attempt by Google,” Sharkey told BBC Entertainment. “For me this is a large company thinking they're in a position to bully around a little society that represents 60,000 songwriters.”

The row kicked off because PRS want to raise the royalty rates they charge YouTube every time users click on a video."It's a necessary step because the amounts that we are being asked to pay are many, many times higher."

Google spokesman

Frustrated with the way the matter was dealt with, Sharkey said: “The normal, grown-up thing would be to sit in a room and discuss that and not throw some sort of e-tantrum.”

The music industry mogul added he’d hoped Google would alter its position: “Quite clearly they're still in the mood to bully our songwriters, our musicians, and that's not acceptable.

“For most artists in this country 95% of the songwriters and composers who are members of the PRS earn less than £5,000 in royalties. So every small increase is a quite considerable thing in their lives.

“A small increase or decrease has a fairly major impact on the vast majority of songwriters and composers in this country.”

‘We’re talking’

Google has since responded to Sharkey’s comments and said it had no alternative but to pull the videos.Patrick Walker, the Director of Video Partnerships for YouTube in Europe, told 6 Music: “Nobody wins when the music is blocked, but it’s a necessary step because the amounts that we are being asked to pay are many, many times higher than we’ve paid in the past and that even takes into account the growth of YouTube.”As for scheduled negotiations he continued: “We’re talking, there have been several emails exchanged today.“Face to face meetings are planned for next week and we do look positively towards some developments and we hope, as they do, for a solution. It takes two to tango.”Highlighting their commitment to artists, the Google spokesman added: “There’s no question as to our dedication to the industry, the protection of copyright and to the compensation of artists.“The reason we did this is not about whether or not we should pay artists for their work - that’s something we 100% believe in.“It’s a question of; ‘Can we work together with the PRS on rates that create a sustainable business to grow the pie over time in a win, win environment?’”

Aphex Twin album

2009-03-13T10:16:00.001-07:00

Warp Records reveals Electronic pioneer's new record is on the way

13 March 2009 - Experimental wizard Aphex Twin is notoriously reclusive when it comes to his music but 6 Music can reveal his new album's in the works.

Steve Beckett, founder of Aphex’s parent label Warp Records, exclusively said: “We’re definitely going to be putting out a new album by him. Hopefully it will be this year, if I can prize it out of his hands. It’s definitely on its way.”

Recently Warp has brought us music by the likes of Jamie Lidell, Squarepusher as well as bands like !!!, Grizzly Bear and Maximo Park.

It is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with several big gigs in London, New York Tokyo and Paris and have already revealed that Richard James, better known as Aphex Twin, will be playing a show in the French Capital on 9 May.

His last release was in April 2006, titledChosen Lords, a compilation of theAnalordmaterial."Hopefully it will be this year, if I can prize it out of his hands. It's definitely on its way."

Warp Records founder

Speaking about working with the influential artist, Beckett said: “He’s got his own unique view on life and obviously he’s just a genius musician and artist and it’s brilliant to work with him. He’s a genuine, English eccentric.”

However, the new material will be kept firmly under wraps until late in the recording process, continued Beckett.

“I don’t know a single note or anything about it,” he explained. “It will be as much of a surprise to me as anyone else.

“Basically I find out what it sounds like when we go into the mastering room and he puts it - well how it used to be, he'll put the DAT player in and there it’ll be - so that’s the first time I’ll hear it.

“Then I’ll go onto my knees and thank him and then we’ll put it out.”

Speaking about the forthcoming shows, Beckett said he is thrilled with the final Paris line-up: “The big coup there is getting Aphex Twin to play so that was the one that we were really excited to pin down.”

FAC's first meeting

2009-03-13T09:31:00.001-07:00

Radiohead, Blur and Billy Bragg expected for Featured Artists Coalition

11 March 2009 - Today marks the first conference for the Featured Artists Coalition, a new representative body to give artists a voice in the music industry.

Members of Radiohead and Blur, along with other big names like Annie Lennox, will be meeting in London’s West End.

The FAC will enable the high-profile artists to campaign for effective laws, regulations and fair business practices, so artists and fans are not compromised by business corporations worldwide.

On the Directors’ board so far sits Blur drummer and Labour candidate David Rowntree, Jazzie B, Billy Bragg, Ed O’Brien from Radiohead, Kate Nash, Marillion’s Mark Kelly and Master Shortie.

The expected guest list includes the likes of David Gray, Nick Mason, Annie Lennox, KT Tunstall and Robbie Williams.

They aim to raise issues of the way they are treated by record companies and YouTube - in light of the music streaming website’s dispute with the Performing Rights Society over royalties. ()"There has never been a greater need for the collective voice of featured artists."

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree

YouTube have decided to pull music videos from its website because it claims PRS is charging them too much money, while PRS were “shocked” at YouTube’s actions.

Rowntree explained: “YouTube’s row with the PRS is the most recent example of just how fast the music industry is changing.

“There has never been a greater need for the collective voice of featured artists, whose music generates 95% of revenue in the industry, to be properly heard.”

With record companies keeping song rights for a period of 50 years, copyright issues are also expected to take precedence.

The summit is taking place from 4pm GMT at Heaven nightclub.

Georgie Rogers

Calvin's 'proper songs'

2009-03-10T22:07:00.001-07:00

Singer and producer says his 'euphoric' second album is 'better than the old stuff'

10 March 2009 - Calvin Harris won’t be on the touring circuit in the UK until April because he’s currently working on his second album, the follow up to 2007’sI Created Disco.

He recently won the Best Remixer prize at the inaugural Music Producers Guild Awards and 6 Music caught up with him to find out how writing and recording is going.

The singer reckons his new material is a significant step on and said: “I’m just looking forward to getting the new stuff out because it’s different and it’s really much better than the old stuff, so I’m looking forward to being known for that rather than some of my other songs.”"They're almost proper songs which I didn't really touch on before."

Calvin Harris

He told us about his next single I’m Not Alone, the first from the new record, which is posted on his Myspace page.

“Euphoric is the word,” he explained. “It’s rave, it’s faithless. It’s Snow Patrol, it’s Grandaddy, all in a pot.

“We shot the for that in Oslo. It was very snowy. I saw a couple of clips from it, it looks like a film, definitely the best thing I’ve ever done video wise and music wise.”

‘A red herring’

Of the album’s direction he said: “It’s definitely more dance music orientated. It’s dancey. I like the dancey stuff better but also they’re almost proper songs which I didn’t really touch on before.”

However, the single isn’t totally representative of the latest batch, which Harris is producing, mixing and singing himself.“It’s kind of a red herring the single,” he explained. “I’ve not done the album yet, I’ve got five songs that are done and I’ve got a whole load that I can pick from whether I want to finish them or not, I don’t know, or give them to other people.”

Harris begins his UK tour at the Bristol Thekla on 25 April and speaking about his release schedule he said: “I think there’s gonna be a third [single] before the album. I don’t know what that is yet. I think I’ve written it but I dunno, I think we’re gonna play it by ear.“We’re gonna release single by single and if any of them bomb then I’ll probably get dropped so we’ll just see what happens.”I’m Not Alone is released digitally from 5 April and physically from 13 April and Calvin revealed the second single is scheduled for release in the summer before the record comes out.Georgie Rogers

Video sharing site stops UK access to official music videos

2009-03-09T23:44:00.001-07:00

09 March 2009 - YouTube are in the process of blocking all access to “official” music videos on their website.

It is only UK users that are affected, and the ban involves a very complicated legal row, but for now, the video sharing network say "premium music videos" are off limits.

The internet giant described it as a "painful decision" which it knew would cause "significant disappointment".

It comes after the expiration of its licence agreement with PRS, who pay songwriters and composers the revenue from the hits the site gets. The agreement expired last year, and the two sides were in the middle of re-negotiating a new deal, however, Google says the new licence fee is too high.

"We have been unable to come up with reasonable economic terms with the PRS for music,” says Patrick Walker, YouTube's director of video partnerships. “Not only are the fees they want us to pay unreasonable in our opinion, we don't know exactly from them what we are having to pay for. So it is the equivalent of being asked to purchase a CD and not knowing what music is going to be on it, and so it's difficult to put an associated value to that.""If you use more music you should be prepared to pay more for your music."Andrew Shaw, PRS

However, PRS spokesperson Andrew Shaw, who is Managing Director of broadcast and online for the group, says they are shocked by Google's "drastic action" which will "punish" music lovers and songwriters.The licence fee's increased bacause of the rise in the number of videos being viewed on the site, which has gone up from somewhere in the region of 75 to 80 million at the beginning of last year, to almost 300 million at the end of last year.

This says Mr Shaw is why YouTube needs to pay more, “like with any product that you use when you’re putting together your service, if you use more electricity, you pay the electricity board more for your electricity. If you use more music you should be prepared to pay more for your music to ensure the creators of that music get paid and can go on creating.”

But the row doesn’t look like it will be nearing an end anytime soon, and PRS have even branded it a “publicity stunt” to try and bring the dispute into the commercial domain. They highlight the fact Google made $5.7 billion in the last quarter of last year, which they feel makes their request a tiny teardrop in a very large pool of cash the internet giant is generating.

YouTube say they are, “committed to music, and to working with the labels and the artists to reach out to users and drive revenues going forward.”

Watch this space.

Jo Youle

Neil Young confirmed

2009-03-09T19:09:00.001-07:00

Three headline acts for Glastonbury festival 2009 completed

09 March 2009 - Glastonbury Festival organisers have officially confirmed Neil Young as the third Pyramid Stage headliner.

The 63 year-old joins Blur and Bruce Springsteen for Michael Eavis' event in Pilton, Somerset from 24-28 June.

"This is big news for us," said the festival organiser about the line-up. "I think he's better than ever at the moment, it's one hell of a show."

Neil Young has recorded over 60 albums, as a solo artist and as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Speaking to The Guardian, one of the official sponsors, Michael Eavis explained: "Neil Young to play this year is a dream come true for me personally. He is one of my all-time favourites and we have always wanted him to play."

"I think he's better than ever at the moment, it's one hell of a show."

Michael Eavis

The Canadian singer-songwriter released his first solo album,Harvest, back in 1972 and also had three consecutive number one hit albums with his band, often labelled 'the American Beatles', Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Eavis added: "With Neil on the bill we are close to completing our best ever line-up."

As for another addition to the Worthy Farm bill, it has also been announced the Seattle folk outfit Fleet Foxes will be performing.

Meanwhile Franz Ferdinand and Lily Allen have also self-announced their appearances.

Tickets for the festival have sold out but there will be a resale of a small amount of tickets on 5 April 2009 from 9am.

Read more onat the BBC.

Camden Crawl adds

2009-03-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

Echo And The Bunnymen, Little Boots, Billy Bragg and more for city festival

09 March 2009 - Echo and the Bunnymen, Idlewild and Mumford and Sons are just three names that have been added to the Friday 24 April line up of the Camden Crawl 2009.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, The Von Bondies, The Whip, Wire are also lined-up for the opening day.

They'll join the already announced General Fiasco and VV Brown for the two day festival, which spans 40 venues in London's Camden.

Meanwhile Little Boots, King Creosote, Ipso Facto, Golden Silvers, Toddla T and Billy Bragg have been added to the bill of Saturday 25 April.

As an official partner to the event, 6 Music will be bringing listeners the best of the festival with live music, selected shows at the venues and of course all the latest music news.

There will be another big Camden Crawl announcement on 13 April.

See below for the line-up so far:

Friday 24 April:

Baddies

Bleech

Brakes

Danny & The Champions Of The World

De Tropix

Drums Of Death

Foy Vance

Goldheart Assembly

Kissy Sell Out

Kitty Daisy & Lewis

Little DeathPulled Apart By HorsesS.C.U.M

Skint & Demoralised

Sleepercurve

The Author

The Barker Band

The Chapman Family

The Cordelier Club

The Jim Jones Revue

The Temper TrapThe Von Bondies

The Whip

Your Twenties

Saturday 25 April:

Alan Pownall

An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump

Banjo Or Freakout

Billy BragBlk Jks

Broadcast 2000

Cherbourg

Die! Die! Die!

ElviinEverything EverythingFrankmusik

Gold Teeth

Golden Silvers

HeartbreakHexesIpso FactoJosh WellerKing CreosoteLion ClubLittle BootsMan Like MeNewham GeneralsPlugsTelevised CrimewaveThe Dead FormatsThe Laurel CollectiveThreatmanticsToddla TAlso taking place on Saturday 25 April, is X-Crawl 09, an event for under 18 year-olds.This will see the likes of thecocknbullkid, Dananananaykroyd, Howling Bells, Left With Pictures, Future Of The Left and Eugene McGuinessperform.In the same vein as the main event, bands will perform across Camden in venues between 12-8pm.See the line-up so far.

Keith Moon honoured

2009-03-09T07:35:00.001-07:00

Late drummer given blue plaque in central London

08 March 2009 - The infamous drummer from the Who - Keith Moon - has been honoured today with a blue plaque in central London.It was organised by entertainment charity the Heritage Foundation - after English Heritage rejected an application for Moon, who died in 1978, to be given a plaque.

The blue plaque was unveiled at the site of the legendary 60s Marquee Club, by the late drummer's mum and sister, along with band mate Roger Daltrey.

“It's just great to see Keith's family. We go back so far. Keith was always the last one I had to pick up to go to gigs. Keith's mum, she was really all of our mums, because she put up with him. We had to put up with him too, but I mean what a lady - and a lovely family.”

He thinks the recognition for Moon is justified:

“Well done to the fans who have got him a blue plaque, cause some people say 'Well does he deserve one?'

Well just for the fact that he invented a new way of drumming in popular music, I think he deserves it for that.”

English Heritage, who oversee who gets a blue plaque, initially deemed Moon unworthy of the honour. Private organisation, The Heritage Foundation, side-stepped the decision and made a deal with Westminster Council – to Roger's delight.

“Just for the fact that he invented a new way of drumming in popular music, I think he deserves it for that.”Daltrey on Moon

“I'm kind of sad that the Marquee itself has gone, considering what that produced for an enormous part of British history. It’s quite disgraceful that it was ever pulled down. That bit of it, it should have been protected. That place where all those bands played. But it’s great that he's got it here.”Wardour Street was turned into a mini-Mod reunion as fans lined the street with scooters, decorated with union jacks and other 60's iconic band stickers. Roger told 6 Music he thought Who fans had done Keith proud.“It's wonderful to see the scooters. Wonderful to see the scooters. Its not good to smell them,” Daltrey said, laughing. “Look at all the smoke. But its great to see them.”That's the point where Who fans took the opportunity to mob Roger to sign old vinyl records, pictures and other memorabilia that they'd brought.“If there's any place, where else would you put it in London. Because he didn't really have a house in London, he moved from flat to flat. It wouldn't be nice to have it on the place where he died. This is where he lived and he lived at his height. It is brilliant.”Chi Chi Izundu

Jacko confirms tour

2009-03-07T19:23:00.001-08:00

'This is really it', says King Of Pop of final London live performances

05 March 2009 - Michael Jackson has announced that he will be performing his last ever London shows in July at the 02 Arena.

He appeared at a press conference today (5 March) but gave no more details in his speech on how many dates he will be doing on his first tour for 12 years.

It's since been confirmed he will play 10 shows from 8 July with tickets priced between £50 and £75.

They go on public sale at 7am on Friday 13 March and will be available throughMichaelJacksonLive.com1,000 fans and media were gathered at the venue; Jackson arrived at over an hour and a half past his scheduled time.

He took to the microphone, addressing a swarm of screaming, devoted fans and said: “Thank you very much. Thank you all. This is it. I just wanna say that these will be my final shows, performances in London. This will be it and when I say this will be it, I really mean this is it.”

He went on: “I’ll be performing the songs my fans wanna here. This is it, I mean this is really it, this the final curtain call okay, and I’ll see you in July.“I love you. I really do you have to know that I love you so much, really from the bottom of my heart

This is it and see you in July.”

'It's absolutely exciting'

Rising talent VV Brown performed in theyesterday (4 March) and she was thrilled by news of a possible London residency from the Thriller star.

“He’s amazing,” she said. “It’s really sad that his face has got like that and stuff, but I mean, he’s Michael Jackson. He’s inspired everyone really. Some tracks that he’s done are just fantastic so it’s absolutely exciting. I might go and see him.”

TheQuicksandsinger La Roux, who like VV Brown was in the BBC’s Sound Of 2009 top 10, also loved the prospect of getting to see her idol live.

“When I was a kid I used to flick through theHistorydisc leaflets and look at those pictures,” she explained. “I’ve wanted to see him live all my life but I just fear it might be disappointing because he’s pretty old.

“I think most people will just go because they’ll be so intrigued to see whether he’s completely gone or not. He hasn’t really come out into the limelight since all the court case stuff. I’m definitely gonna go, no question.”

His legacyAmanda Ghost heads up Michael Jackson’s record label Epic.Speaking about his place in history, she said: “He’s our artist. Why does he mean so much? He’s the consummate artist. He is so talented, as a writer, as a dancer, as a singer, as a performer and he’s a star. We don’t have them anymore.”Michael Jackson shot to fame as a youngster, when he joined his brothers and sisters in the Jackson 5 at 5 years-old.He went on to make 10 studio albums as a solo artist with countless number one hits.Speaking about the former child star, Ghost continued: “He paid a heavy price to be Michael Jackson, as they all do. As Elvis did, as Madonna has, as Prince has.“They pay prices to be icons and I think it’s important ultimately because he made great music. I don’t know anyone in the world that hasn’t got a Michael Jackson song that they love, it’s universal.”Epic currently look after the likes of Beyonce, Modest Mouse, Tenacious D and Editors, but Ghost said it is rare to find such raw talent in the league of Michael Jackson.“That’s my challenge again to develop those,” she said. “Rock ‘n’ roll is all about aspirations and dreams. We’re selling rebellion, we’re selling fantasy and we don’t do that any more. We’re selling Lily Allen and that’s sad for me.”Stand out tracksBillie Jean, Black Or White, Smooth Criminal, Man In The Mirror, This Girl Is Mine are just a few of the King Of Pops hits.We asked the artists which particular Jacko songs they would love to see him perform.Epic label boss Amanda Ghost said: “I used to dress up as Michael Jackson as a kid. My favourite song has got to be Human Nature. It comes on and I feel like I’m 11 again, soundtrack to my youth.”Meanwhile VV Brown, who is currently putting the final touches to her debut album Travelling Like The Light, revealed: “There’s loads. I love Dirty Diana though. I dig the sort of, turn, kick, grab the groin, woo hoo, thing.”

Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You

2009-03-05T09:38:00.001-08:00

Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You Download MP3
Release type : Studio album Record label : Capitol Genres : Pop music Release date : Feb 10, 2009

1	Everyones At It	lyrics
2	The Fear	lyrics
3	Not Fair	lyrics
4	22	lyrics
5	I Could Say	lyrics
6	Back To The Start	lyrics
7	Never Gonna Happen	lyrics
8	F**k You	lyrics
9	Whod Have Known
10	Chinese	lyrics
11	Him	lyrics
12	He Wasnt There

its words not wurds
(;. I just love this song!!! :)

Lily gets personal

2009-01-26T17:52:00.001-08:00

Allen reveals all on new album

20 January 2009 - Lily Allen's second record features stories about unsatisfying relationships and her absent father, but the singer's not worried about giving away too much about her personal life:

"I don't know how else to write. I wish I could be more vague in what I write and then they'd get played in adverts, but they don't," Lily said.

It's Not Me It's You is out on February 9th, and closes with the song 'He Wasn't There' about her absent father Keith Allen, the actor who once formed part of novelty act Fat Les with artist Damien Hirst and Blur bassist Alex James.

"I was very aware of what was going on. He had a lot of fun in the nineties, and he wasn't around much. It's as simple as that," she says. Lily continued that she won't lose sleep over the public knowing a lot about her life: "A song is only two minutes of someone's life, and then they're thinking about something else. Things don't linger.""When I listen to that record I cringe"- Lily Allen on Alright, Still

Lily appeared on George Lamb's show on 6 Music this morning and played two tracks from her new album, It's Not Me It's You, 'The Fear' and 'He Wasn't There'.

But Lily admits she isn't keen to revisit her debut album Alright Still: "When I listen to that record I cringe. I am five years younger on that record. I can't bear listening to it."

Lily plays a one-off gig at London's Koko on 28th January before kicking off a UK tour in Glasgow on 14th March.

On the tour she'll be supported by the hotly tipped electro-pop Act La Roux, aka Elly Jackson, who was number five in this year's BBC Sound Of poll.

Rodrigo Davies

Little Noise legends

2008-09-29T07:54:00.001-07:00

Kasabian, Keane, Glasvegas and Florence and the Machine head up Little Noise Sessions bill

29 September 2008 - A magic line-up of acts are secured to play the series of intimate acoustic gigs at the Union Chapel in London’s Islington in November.

In aid of Mencap, this year’s Little Noise Sessions will take place from Saturday 8 November and run for eleven consecutive nights until Tuesday 18 November.

This year's line up will include performances from Glasvegas, Razorlight, Stereophonics, James Morrison, Kasabian, Keane, Seasick Steve, Florence and The Machine, The Script as well as some special secret guests.

2007 saw Bono and The Edge from U2 give an exclusive acoustic performance of never heard before tracks.

Welsh rocker Kelly Jones, frontman of the Stereophonics is excited: "We are really looking forward to playing the show for the Little Noise Sessions on behalf of Mencap.

"To be able to do an acoustic show in such an intimate venue and be able to support such a worthy cause will be a really special thing to do and something we rarely get chance to do. It will be beautiful."

And it is all for a very worthy cause, as Jo Williams - Chief Executive of Mencap, says: "Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions is a really important event for learning disability. Not only does it help raise money to ensure we can support people with a learning disability, but it raises the profile of the challenges that the 1.5 million with a learning disability face.

"We are hugely grateful to all the acts who freely give their time and effort, and especially to Jo Whiley, Mencap’s ambassador, who puts in a huge amount of time and effort to help organise and curate the event."

Registration for tickets kicks off on Monday 1 October until Sunday 19 October at www.mencapmusic.org.uk .

Tickets are priced at £40, with all proceeds going to the charity Mencap.

See below for the line-up so far:

Saturday 8 November
Glasvegas
Cage the Elephant
Plus surprise special guest

Sunday 9 November
Razorlight
Florence and the Machine
Esser

Monday 10 November
Stereophonics
Seasick Steve

Thursday 13 November
James Morrison
Sam Beeton

Friday 14 November
Kasabian

Saturday 15 November
Keane
The Script
Bryn Christopher
Red Light Company

Tuesday 18 November
Fratellis

Georgie Rogers

Led Zep no go

2008-09-29T05:54:00.001-07:00

Robert Plant urges anyone buying Led Zeppelin tickets they aren’t reforming

29 September 2008 - While touring the USA with his Mercury nominated album Raising Sand - a collaboration with Alison Krauss - the Led Zeppelin frontman denies more rumours that the legendary band are reforming.

After the last leg of that tour, Plant has no intentions of touring with anyone for at least two years.

This rules out any form of tour or recording on the Led Zeppelin front.

Therefore, anyone buying tickets online to any such event will be purchasing fake tickets.

A statement from Plant reads: "It's both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward."

He added: "I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects."

Georgie Rogers

Oasis headline proms

2008-09-29T03:54:00.001-07:00

Manchester giants have been confirmed to close BBC Electric Proms

29 September 2008 - Oasis will take to the stage at The Roundhouse in London on Sunday 26 October, accompanied by the Crouch End Festival Chorus.

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music Noel Gallagher said: "There’s 50 odd, or 250 or something, so we’re gonna do a night with a full choir - because some of the songs have got a fifty piece choir on them on the album - so we’re gonna do a night at the proms with them."

Ray Davis has used the choir in the past, to which Gallagher responded: "Yeah and Ennio Morricone uses them for his spaghetti western stuff in England, so I’m already looking forward to that because I’ve never played the Roundhouse and never done the proms."

They join the previously announced Chaka Khan, Goldfrapp, Tony Christie, Wild Beasts, XX Teens and Burt Bacharach.

"I’m already looking forward to that because I’ve never played the Roundhouse and never done the proms."
Noel Gallagher

The show will be broadcast on BBC Radio 1 from 9pm on 26 October and televised on BBC2 at 22.45pm on the same day.

You’ll be able to watch the performance, all the interviews and photos of the BBC Electric Proms for a week after the festival at www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms

Tickets will go on sale at 8.15am on Tuesday 30 September.

Georgie Rogers

Big Beach Boutique 4

2008-09-28T03:54:00.001-07:00

Fatboy Slim rocks 22 000 strong crowd

28 September 2008 - Last time Fatboy Slim played his hometown he got electric shocks off the decks from the rain, but yesterday felt like summer had finally arrived.

A cloudless blue sky line enveloped the 22 thousand strong enclosure Fatboy had deliberately encased with steel fencing this year, to keep the numbers down.

Six years ago 250 thousand people turned up for the party, but this year Norman was taking no chances, with only the yachts moored up at sea getting a free show.

Fatboy told 6 Music this is his last live date of the summer and it’s the perfect end to a busy summer: “I’m not sure if we planned it, or whether it just turned out like that, but this is our 38th of the season. It’s very fitting to end in your home town, this is kind of like our end of term party for the crew.”

"It's very fitting to end in your hometown" - Fatboy Slim

Local Brighton hero Beardyman hosted the event, comparing in between artists, and Fatboy’s fellow label mates including The Whip, who kicked the event off.

The band wrapped up with their signature tune, Trashed, which set the tone for the day. Inflatable fish, beach balls, and fatsuits bounced around the crowd as New York house legend Danny Tenaglia stepped things up a notch.

His new tune The Space Dance was strangely absent from his two hour set though, but he got much love as Norman joined him on stage before he handed over to Layo and Bushwacka.

Beardyman then hooked up with former DMC scratching champion and BattleJam buddy, JFB to warm up for Fatboy, and got the crowd in the mood with some comedy visuals of him on Brighton beach.

Beardy told us he’s a big fan of Norman’s: “ I went to Big Beach Boutique 2, which was the big return, which was obviously massive, and it was just so awesome. I love it,it’s Brighton, it’s my home town and it’s a good mood city, by the sea, everyone’s happy. A lot of hands in the air, smiling faces and it’s a good send off to the summer, ‘cos it’s been a pretty muddy summer.”

Jo Youle

Busta Wins Court Battle

2008-09-26T11:54:00.001-07:00

Rapper to play charity show

26 September 2008 - Busta Rhymes has won his high court battle to perform at a charity concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall tonight (26 ^th Sept 08).

He went into the high court in London at two o'clock today and his lawyers had been arguing his case all afternoon.

This comes after he spent 11 hours yesterday in custody. He was stopped as he arrived at London City Airport yesterday morning by armed guards over his US convictions.

The rap star has already been in the country twice this year, including a visit to highlight the Rock Corp concert a few months ago.

The event’s organiser, Steven Greene, has said that all the publicity surrounding Busta’s detention is a mixed blessing.

He told 6 Music: “I want everyone to know about the young people and the work they have done in the community, but Busta had to sit in a detention room for 12 hours yesterday.”

Ruth Mitchell

iPod Tax Proposed

2008-09-26T09:54:00.001-07:00

Government may impose levy on music players

26 September 2008 - The idea of an iPod tax is the latest to be bandied about by Ofcom, and Sky Satellite dishes, Freeview boxes and Internet subscriptions could also be subject to a levy.

Falling advertising revenue and an increase in viewers turning to digital channels are being blamed for commercial broadcaster’s reluctance to make non-profitable public service programmes.

The regulator for the UK’s communication industries has suggested that the new tax, imposed by the government, would be used to fund public service shows such as Channel 4 News, Dispatches, children’s programmes, arts shows and regional news.

Consumers not happy

The general consensus from consumers on the tax is overwhelmingly negative. 6 Music spoke to some shoppers on Oxford Street today (26th Sept 08).

One woman was indignant: “Why should we pay more? You pay tax when you buy the item. No, no more!”

Meanwhile a male shopper feels we pay a lot already: “No I wouldn’t really to be perfectly honest, I think there are enough taxes out there existing. You suffer advertising while watching TV, you pay enough to that extent I reckon.”

Computers and CDs face tax too

Consumers could also face a new tax on computers, blank CDs and DVDs under proposals mooted in Ofcom’s review of the future of public service broadcasting and is one of several funding options that have been outlined.

Ofcom awaiting public opinion

Meanwhile an Ofcom spokesperson told 6 Music that they are waiting to hear from you.

They said: “An industry levy is one in a series of funding methods which we are consulting on as part of our review of public service broadcasting. We look forward to hearing what the public and industry think of our proposals.”

So far Apple has declined to comment on the proposal.

The government will not make a final decision on the levy until early next year following Ofcom’s consultation, which closes this December.

Ruth Mitchell

Busta Walks Free

2008-09-26T05:54:00.001-07:00

Rapper faces another court hearing

26 September 2008 - The High Court will today rule whether Busta Rhymes will be allowed to remain in the UK and perform at his London gig tonight.

The rapper is scheduled to perform in front of thousands of young volunteers at The Royal Albert Hall for the Orange RockCorps show for charity.

However, last night, after spending 12 hours under armed guard at City airport in London a judge ordered his immediate release. He landed early yesterday morning but was denied entry because it was alleged he had "unresolved convictions in the USA", concert promoter Orange said.

Rhymes, who has already been allowed entry to the UK twice this year, in May and August, has a valid work permit for tonight's Orange RockCorps gig at the Royal Albert Hall, London, where he is due to perform before 5,000 volunteers.

A hearing is due to take place this afternoon at the High Court of Rhymes's application for permission to bring a judicial review challenge over the legality of his detention.

In a statement the 36-year-old rapper said he was determined to play at the concert.

"I came to the UK to perform for all of the Orange RockCorps volunteers who put in time in their community and that's what I'm going to do," he said.

"I am here officially in the UK, and thanks to all parties involved hopefully I will be able to put on an incredible show for the kids."

However, representatives of the star say his appearance at the event will depend on the outcome of the judicial review.

Stephen Greene, co-founder of RockCorps, said: "Busta's release is an extremely welcome development.

"Orange RockCorps has inspired thousands of young Brits to help their community, get involved and make a real difference through a love of music, so we have every confidence the Government will rule in our favour today and allow us to fulfil our promise to these positive young people by allowing Busta Rhymes to perform."

Jo Youle

A club Matter

2008-09-19T05:45:00.001-07:00

Unkle and Late Of The Pier open Fabric’s brainchild super duper club under 02

19 September 2008 - Spanning 32,737 square feet Fabric are opening the doors of their offspring tonight (Friday 19 September), a purpose built superclub called Matter.

It holds a whopping 2,600 people and is located underneath the 02 dome complex in London.

Unkle live will kick off proceedings tonight (19 September) and they'll be joined on stage by Stone Roses’ Ian Brown, Ian Astbury, Gavin Clark & Joel Cadbury.

The electronically charged Late Of The Pier and Californian dudes Iglu & Hartley will provide support.

Its been a tumultuous year on the clubbing scene with Turnmills, The Key, The Cross, Canvas - and soon to be The End - closing down.

And what Matter offers that others might not, is the ability to accommodate live music events and club nights by transforming the space.

When room two is opened, the 1,800 capacity space can then hold 2,600 sweaty partygoers.

And the main arena has been built hovering over 80 super powerful transducers so that the sound travels up through the floor.

LED screens and projectors will again enhance the clubbing/live music experience.

There’s even a retractable ceiling which morphs the VIP area into a 300-capacity gig or club space.

As for the décor, walls, floors, DJ booths, bars and tables are all concrete, albeit in a range of varying shades and finishes.

Saturday will see Carl Cox and friends hold the fort at the club situated at the O2, Peninsula Square, SE10.

The nearest tube is North Greenwich and Matter's open from 10am to 7am.

Georgie Rogers

Primal Scream triumph

2008-09-19T03:45:00.001-07:00

Kings of Leon, Ronson, Nash, Ting Tings and Spice Girls also crowned by Vodaphone

19 September 2008 - Primal Scream were double winners at last night's Vodaphone Live Music Awards.

The boys walked away with Best Live Act beating the Kaiser Chiefs and they also scooped the gong for Outstanding Contribution to Live Music.

Held at the Carling Academy in Brixton, the event was hosted by well known presenter Steve Jones and rock starstress Juliette Lewis.

Super producer Mark Ronson took home Best Live Male staving off stiff competition from Dizzee Rascal, Morrissey and Paul Weller.

"It's nice because some awards are not for when people voted but this one is so it makes us feel nice because it's quite an honest award."
The Ting Tings

Meanwhile Kate Nash was awarded Best Live Female and the almighty Kings Of Leon pipped giants such as the Foo Fighters, Jay Z and N*E*R*D to the post for Best International Live Act.

Salford’s new export The Ting Tings were awarded winners of the Xfm Live Breakthrough award.

"We're very happy, we're slightly jetlagged so I don't think it has sunk in yet but it's nice because some awards are not for when people voted but this one is so it makes us feel nice because it's quite an honest award."

After a storming reformation, the Spice Girls beat The Verve to get Best Live Return.

And an excited Emma Bunton, otherwise known as 'Baby Spice', picked it up: "It's just amazing, I feel so honoured that our fans gave us another chance to do this all over again ten years later and obviously having the children there made it extra special. When I'm on stage with the girls though I'm 15 all over again."

See the full list of winners and nominees below:

Live Male : Mark Ronson , Dizzee Rascal, Morrissey, Paul Weller
Live Female : Kate Nash , Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Estelle
Best Live Act: Primal Scream , The Verve, Kaiser Chiefs, Muse
Best Live Return: Spice Girls , Led Zeppelin, The Verve, James
XFM Live Breakthrough Act: The Ting Tings , Glasvegas, Foals, The Wombats
4Music Festival of the Year: T in the Park , Reading/ Leeds, Glastonbury, Latitude
Live and Unsigned Awards: Kiddo360 , Elmor, Transformer, The Volt
Best International Live Act: Kings of Leon , Jay Z, N*E*R*D, the Foo Fighters
Sony Ericsson Tour of The Year: Take That Arena Tour , Sugababes Changes Tour, NME Awards Tour 2008, Girls Aloud Tangled Up Tour
Outstanding Contribution to Live Music: Primal Scream

Georgie Rogers

Andre talks music

2008-09-18T05:45:00.001-07:00

Expect a solo album from Andre 3000 and new Outkast in 2009

18 September 2008 - At the fashion showcase of his new Ben Bixby line of clothing Andre 3000 revealed his plans to bring out a new solo album at the start of 2009.

Our 6 Music reporter collared him at Harrods last night (17 September) and the singer wouldn't go on tape, but did talk off the record about his upcoming plans.

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music's Rodrigo Davies, amid some rather old fashioned tailoring, he said there'll be a new solo album at the beginning of next year, and that it'll sound "heavy."

He added that there's also more Outkast material to come in 2009.

So there's no sign that Andre's getting too distracted by fashion right now.

"I remember him in all his videos and stuff, it's definitely like he's taken that kind of theatre and turned it into his collections."

As for what some of the fans made of the exuberant Outkast frontman's dabble into the world of fashion, one female fashionista said: "It's quite tongue in cheek a lot of what him and his band do and I think that maybe that's reflected a little bit in the clothing as well.

"He's quite cool and urban and I think that the collection is a bit more preppy and a little bit more Americana, more tailored that we would have expected, but it still has quite a cool edge."

And one gentleman at the launch told 6 Music what he thought: "I remember him in all his videos and stuff, it's definitely like he's taken that kind of theatre and turned it into his collections.

"It's kind of old world but its got a few modern quirks to it - so it's very old, manor house, shooting with the trousers tucked into the knee."

Georgie Rogers

Doves' new sound

2008-09-18T03:45:00.001-07:00

Band say new album has country and teutonic leanings and reveal plans for more shows

18 September 2008 - The Doves have emerged from their fourth album hibernation to tell 6 Music all about their long-awaited new record.

The Manchester band just played a mammoth comeback gig in celebration of Heavenly Records at the Royal Festival Hall on Friday 12 September - their first gig in over two years.

Their last offering Some Cities was delivered to the Doves’ lovers back in 2005 and frontman Jimi Goodwin told us they've been working on the new album, which is why no one's heard from them for so long.

Goodwin explained: “We’ve been so absorbed in this record. It took longer than anyone anticipated and we’d never written so many songs as we had for this one. We’ve just been working hard on getting the balance right and trying to justify why we still exist, where we’re going and what this record’s about.”

During the show Goodwin actually said that playing the Royal Festival Hall was their first gig in 2 years and 7 months – something which worried them.

They weren’t sure how their new material would go down: “It’s tough trying to play new tracks, no one knows them and plus we’re only just getting our heads around to play physically. We were worried that it was a sit down gig but no, they seemed to throw out that rule book, everyone was off their seat instantly, it was amazing.”

"I think we’ve got all the classic song structure things nailed, we need a few out there join the dots things now to even the record out, something a big avant garde."
Jimi Goodwin

‘Super country’ sound

Doves showcased four new songs during the show and speaking about the new album’s sound, Goodwin said they have a wealth of material to choose from.

But, the four they played last weekend are likely to make the final cut: “Of the new songs we played they’re defo contenders. We played a song called Winter Hill which is sort of country-ish, Jetstream with Jez singing is quite different for us and it’s quite teutonic, driven, 70s sort of German, very atmospheric.

“And there’s Kingdom of Rust which is like super country, it’s got a shuffle back beat and I’m really proud of that one, I think it’s a really strong song.

“And we played a track called The Outsiders which has got a can-esque drum beat and it just builds and builds and is quite moody.”

More shows planned

Playing live together again went so well that the singer says they're hoping to do some more gigs this side of Christmas.

And they hope to grace their hometown: “We’ve got one more session in November and for better or worse this record it done, we’re gonna master it in December – please God and that’s it. We might even do something at Christmas, just a couple of gigs. I think we owe Manchester a gig this side of Chrimbo.”

In terms of the scheduled release for album number four, Goodwin says they’re aiming for spring next year, with a view for it to be out in March or April 2009.

They’re still finishing some of the writing at the moment: “We’ve got four or five weeks to get those ideas down and we’re gonna write separately for a couple of weeks and then reconvene and see what we’ve got. That’s how we do it these days, everyone brings something to the table and we work on it.”

When asked what’s left to do, Goodwin responded: “It’s too absorbing, we’re all dying to finish it. We just need a couple of key ingredients now. I think we’ve got all the classic song structure things nailed, we need a few out there join the dots things now to even the record out – something a big avant garde, devoid of any verse and chorus, that’s where I’m thinking.”

Clinging to tradition

Jeff Barratt, the founder of Heavenly records has said that its possibly their best album to date.

To which Goodwin replied: “I’m too involved, doing the gig was a great diversion, it gave us a bit of an ego boost and was good to just strap on and play.”

After a period of rehearsing, they're just excited to get the album out there.

But no plans have been made yet for release and Goodwin doesn’t think they’ll be doing a Coldplay or Radiohead – giving material away for nothing or asking fans to pay what they want - when it comes to that.

“I haven’t the foggiest, do you have to pull rabbits out of the hat these days?” the frontman asked. “I just like to think you can still release something and download it or whatever. It’s something we’ve not even discussed yet, still kinda clinging on to the belief that you can go out and tour to death and hopefully someone somewhere gets it.”

Georgie Rogers

Foo Fighters take time out

2008-09-17T11:45:00.001-07:00

Grohl and his men won't be back for some time
17 September 2008 - Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has said his band are are taking time out after playing some of the biggest shows of their life at Wembley Stadium.

The band stormed two sold-out nights at the venue, to more than 170,000 people back in June, with special guests Led Zeppelin turning up to join them on stage on their second night.

But Grohl reckons it's time to give the UK a rest while they're on a roll:

"We've never really taken a long break, I think it's time. After doing Wembley, we shouldn't come back there for like 10 years. We're over there every year, every summer, and I think it's time to take a break and come back when people really miss us."

The band have played a series of huge shows over the last three summers in the UK.

Last summer they took on Live Earth alongside Madonna and Red Hot Chili Peppers, playing a short set, and the summer before, in 2006 they hit London's Hyde Park.

He says the UK is a place the band have has some of their best gigs:

"It's a funny place being in the band now because we've been a band for about 14 years. We've gone from playing the Astoria, to playing Earls Court to playing Wembley. That wasn't really the goal but hey, we'll take it.

The Foo Fighters frontman also said fans shouldn't expect to a see a new album surfacing in the near future.

Jo Youle

Ticket hope

2008-09-15T07:45:00.001-07:00

Light at the end of the ticket scammers tunnel as Lloyd’s insurance onboard
15 September 2008 - Several secondary ticket agenicies are clubbing together to provide a more authentic service for ticket buyers.

Confidence was lost when hundreds of people were hit by the ticket scamming company SOS Master Tickets last month (August).

It conned people who’d shelled out their hard earned cash for George Michael, Madonna and a variety of festival tickets - and were never sent the tickets they'd ordered.

The Association of Secondary Ticket Agencies (ASTA) has now joined the Lloyds of London group, which means it’s insured - so if someone's not happy with any of its 52 members, they could ask for a full refund.

Fans who get scammed by secondary ticket agents should be limited with this move, which allows ticket buyers to buy from any of those 52 members with full confidence; placing orders with the knowledge that the ticket will arrive in the post and that full refund facilities will be in place.

Graham Burns, who runs the ASTA, explains why it’s good for fans: “The consumer then has the double guarantee that the person they are dealing with is a member of a bonafide trade association in the United Kingdom, and further is underwritten by Lloyds to the full value of the money they’ve paid.”

And it wouldn’t matter if you paid over the original price, you would get everything back so long as the secondary ticketing agent is a member of the ASTA and are part of Lloyds’ scheme.

“No matter what the face value of the ticket was if the face value was £55 and they paid £100 for it including the postage and packaging, plus this plus that, they would get all of their money back - not just the value of the ticket as sold by the box office and I think that’s an important point,” he told 6 Music.

And it’s answering to a higher body that Burns thinks will make all the difference.

He questioned: “How safe and secure and guaranteed is it if you don’t have comprehensive measures in place that are scrutinised by the financial services authority, independent of your own organisation that needs to be properly overseen?”
"We can see from the events of the last few weeks that it’s of great importance to the consumer that no matter what method they use to pay, they’re covered."
Graham Burns

Fully covered

It was made worse for victims of the ticket scammers that had paid by debit cards, because they were not entitled to the guarantees of credit cards.

Burns says people won't have to depend on paying only with a credit card anymore: “The consumer has always had the credit card guarantee but that hasn’t been a comprehensive guarantee, its only been a guarantee on sales of more than 100 pounds.

“We can see from the events of the last few weeks that it’s of great importance to the consumer that no matter what method they use to pay, they’re covered.”

Words of wisdom

Burns stressed the importance of “trust” and “transparency” and promoting these values in the market place.

He has absolute faith in the Association, saying: “These are bonafide people, operating bonafide offices, to better service their members and it’s all about public education.

“You wouldn’t for instance buy a travel ticket from someone who was not at all registered, particularly in light of the events of the last week.”

Burns went on to offer his advice for all those affected: “Call your local trading standards, make them aware, get online, go to the Scam Busters website which is run by the Government, file a complaint, give as much detail as possible, email us, call us. We will be happy to look into it for you.”

And if you’re looking to use a secondary ticketing service in the future: “Please be aware when you’re buying your ticket of who you’re buying it from. Do your homework. Have a look on the internet, it’s a wonderful resource for information and you can find out very quickly if that person is bonafide or not.”

Have your say and leave 6 Music News your comments.

We want to know if a move like this would make a difference to your confidence when buying tickets from secondary online outlets.

Georgie Rogers

Reprazent to disband

2008-09-15T03:45:00.001-07:00

Roni Size reveals album number three may be their last as a collective
15 September 2008 - They've been touring this year as well as working on a third Roni Size Reprazent album, which they say is their last.

Speaking to 6 Music Roni Size says the collective - who were 1997 Mercury Prize winners for their album New Forms - have taken a step back over the last few years, but explained what they have in the pipeline.

“What we’re currently doing is letting people know that, we’re here, we’re back, we’ve got the live show – it’s good energy, high energy and we’re currently in the studio trying to put the finishing touches to the final record.”

But beyond that Roni thinks they will go their separate ways: “We’re gonna do number three, Reprazent album and we’ll see what happens from there. I think that will be our last album and we’ll tour again next year and hopefully we’ll start to make a real impact and people will see what we can bring to the table.”

He explained why he thinks it’s time to wrap it up: “The whole thing about doing Reprazent was different people coming from different groups to form one and I think that there’s people involved in Reprazent who do need their own individual careers, like Dynamite and Onalee.

“Everyone in Reprazent can do their thing and has their own goals so it’s not really fair of me to ask them to keep on representing Roni Size. I need to get into some kind of position where I can help them as well.”

But it won’t be the last we see of the drum ‘n’ bass artist because speaking of his plans once Roni Size Reprazent disband, Roni said: “Hopefully I’ll get some family time, some love time and I’ll still be djing, I’ll still be creating music, I’ll still be hitting the clubs and I’ll still be touring the world and I’ll be doing this for the rest of my life. So, I’m still gonna be visible, wherever, I’ll be there.”
"Everyone in Reprazent can do their thing and has their own goals so it’s not really fair of me to ask them to keep on representing Roni Size."
Roni Size

'It's accepted now'

Drum 'n' Bass is still thriving and Roni claims that it’s here to stay, especially with it being used in a variety of different musical genres.

“The scene is very diverse,” he said. “I think more now than ever the scene has become very commercial now. You have a lot of artists crossing over on a regular basis now and you can hear drum and bass music really now starting to kick-in in indie music and all different forms of music. It’s no longer a new thing it’s accepted now, it has stood the test of time.”

And the DJ from Bristol thinks that the scene is still healthy, particularly in some unexpected corners of the world.

“I think eastern Europe is where it’s going off, places like Estonia, Serbia, definitely places like Slovakia, Prague,” he told 6 Music, “anywhere in Eastern Europe for me is the hot spot. It’s just absolutely incredible, Austria, that’s where it’s going off right now, it’s crazy, tens of thousands of people.”

Georgie Rogers

Glasvegas V Metallica

2008-09-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

Scottish band's debut battles one of the world's biggest bands to top the charts
14 September 2008 - Glasvegas go head to head with Metallica for the number one spot in the albums chart this weekend.

The Glaswegian band were tipped to go to the top earlier in the week but it’s been reported that Metallica rushed the release of their fourth album, Death Magnetic, to beat them.

However, Glasvegas guitarist Rab said they weren’t bothered what position they went in at: “We don’t actually care and I mean that genuinely because we’ve shifted a lot of units - more so than what you would normally need to sell to go to number one. And there’s nothing you can do. If it goes to number 2 we’ll be happy. If it goes to number 1 we’ll be happy.”

Glasvegas drummer Caroline seconded that sentiment: “It’s business as usual for us. We’ve got a gig so we’ll be more concerned and focussed on that than any kind of chart position.”

“The amount of albums you sell over a period of time is what matters and the amount of albums we’ve sold shocks me already.” Rab Allen - Glasvegas

Glasvegas’s self titled debut album came out on Monday (8 ^th September) and was hotly anticipated after receiving rave reviews right across the press.

Rab said that the band's priorities now are not their position in the charts: “I don’t think the charts are as important as they used to be,” he said.

“The amount of albums you sell over a period of time is what matters and the amount of albums we’ve sold shocks me already.”

He also didn’t believe it was Metallica themselves who were behind the battle: “I think it was probably the record company who released it [the album] earlier. I’m sure they [Metallica] are not really worried about us. But everyone is trying to make it into this big Oasis versus Blur thing and it’s really funny because I don’t we don’t care where we go genuinely.”

After over 25 years of building a steady fanbase Metallica are the favourites to win the race this week and Rab said they are fully prepared for defeat: “They’re going to sell a lot of albums whenever they release it. Their music does nothing for me but they’re a good band and if they go to number one they go to number one.”

He then added: “I’m going to the bookies to put money on Metallica when I leave here because either way I’m going to win. Either I get money for that or I go to number one.”

Elizabeth Alker

Sugarhill and Dizzee

2008-09-12T07:45:00.001-07:00

Reformed Gang on teaming up with UK hip hop star to record song
12 September 2008 - Classic reformed hip hop group Sugarhill Gang are set to collaborate with the big name UK rapper Dizzee Rascal.

Back in October 2007 the rap royalty teamed up on stage, performing at the launch of Sony Walkman's digital music players - but no mention was made of laying down anything on record.

Speaking to 6 Music at a rather wet Bestival on 6 September, the Sugarhill Gang confirmed that something is in the pipeline.

Explaining how they met up with Dizzee Rascal again, Master Gee said: “He came to the States about two months ago. We ran into him when he invited us to come down to his club in New York and we went down there – wow, kick ass show. The tracks were crazy, they were spittin’ real hard and it’s in the works to do a song with him.”

Connecting with culture

They've also been talking about work on a new record.

The group faded during the 80s after hits Rapper’s Delight, 8 ^th Wonder and Apache, returning only with a third rap album for children called Jump On It! in 1999.

However, they are back on track and say they hope to have a new album out next year.

Speaking about their music, Master Gee says its always had a connection with people: “We are very fortunate to have created the music that we have created, our music is definitely connected to the culture of the world.

“Mainly I think it’s because we come from a party background. Each one of us were MCs and DJs before we became recording artists.”

And Master Gee also claims it’s their party background which helps them write their killer dance floor hits.

He told 6 Music: “When we record, we record from different dimensions and our music affects people in all different ways, and that’s kinda why I think the songs always get people going because it ignites a certain feeling in people’s souls.”
"The tracks were crazy they were spittin’ real hard and it’s in the works to do a song with him."
Master Gee

Road testing already

It sounds like the new album is well underway.

“We've been in the studio with a lot of young and up and coming producers. We’re writing and we’re playing some stuff ourselves. We’re actually premiering and showcasing a lot of the stuff on stage and getting a response. You know whether something is hot or not by the fans who really let you know,” said Master Gee.

And as for who they are working with on the new album, they were trying to keep their cards close to their chest: “We’re leaving all of that up to the imagination. This is our project you know?

“I had kinda stepped away for a good minute and they were all doing a certain thing and we purposely came together to do a new project, so the thing about this project is that it’s kinda like our baby.”

As for when we should expect their latest offering, Master Gee revealed it’s scheduled for the beginning of 2009.

And they’re happy with the result so far: “It’s hot, definitely. You wanna hear some of the stuff then you gotta come to one of the shows.”

Georgie Rogers

New Radiohead details

2008-09-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

The band tell 6 Music about their plans to finish another new record
11 September 2008 - Radiohead have announced exclusively to 6 Music that they’re in the process of writing a new album.

After losing out to Elbow for the Mercury Music Prize on Tuesday night (9 September) they told us they’d taken time out of playing live to put new tracks down and would be heading to the studio in the near future.

Colin Greenwood said they'd be heading back into the studio when they'd completed their current world tour: “We’ve finished the main bulk of it and we’re off to Japan in a couple of weeks to finish it off.”

And fully enthused about writing new stuff, Ed O'Brien chimed in: “We’re still talking about doing some stuff and we’re really excited about it. First we came off tour to do some writing and we wanted to just carry on doing it because it was so brilliant.”
"We’ve finished the main bulk of it and we’re off to Japan in a couple of weeks to finish it off." Colin Greenwood

The band didn’t join the other acts in performing at the Mercury Music Awards ceremony earlier in the week

However, they agreed that the Mercury was one of the most important accolades in the music business: “We’ve been on tour in America so we’re culturally a bit out of it but you come here and you realise that actually it’s a bit deal. When you hear Guy Garvey go this means everything to us you go, er, yeah, you’re right. It beats the hell out of the Brits and the other ones.”

Colin and Ed were also really happy that Elbow had won it: “We've been on tour with Elbow we've played festivals with them and they're lovely people. They've made a brilliant record with The Seldom Seen Kid. It really couldn't have happened to more deserving people, but most of the shortlist was great this year.”

Elizabeth Alker

Early Birds Metallica

2008-09-11T07:45:00.001-07:00

Death Magnetic album hits shops early
11 September 2008 - Metallica's long-awaited ninth album Death Magnetic has hit shops in the UK early, triggering a chart battle with Glasvegas.

The legendary rockers' latest studio effort was planned for release on Friday, but was made available yesterday after some retailers began selling it early.

It will now go head to head with the debut album from Glaswegian band Glasvegas, who are hotly tipped to be this week's number one.

Martin Talbot from the Official UK Charts Company said:
"Over the last couple of days there's been a bit of a flurry on blogs and message boards from Metallica fans who've been waiting years for this record. Glasvegas has done very well this week, so Metallica have got a bit of catching up to do, but I've no doubt that once the fans are aware that it's out, that there'll be loads of people going out and picking it up."

Glasvegas self-titled album, which was released on Monday, is expected to sell up to 60,000 copies in its first week, Talbot said.

So far Glasvegas two previous singles, Geraldine and Daddy's Gone, have made it into the top 20 in the singles charts. The band came to prominence after winning the Philip Hall Radar prize at the NME awards in February.

Metallica's Death Magnetic is the band's first album in five years and has been seen as an attempt to recapture their late 1980s period, which saw the highly-praised release And Justice For All.

Their latest album leaked online last week after a French record shop reportedly starting selling it early. But the band, which filed a lawsuit against sharing service Napster in 2000 and has spoken out against online piracy on many occasions, said it wasn't worried by the leak.

Metallica will play an exclusive show at the BBC Radio theatre on September 14, which will be broadcast on Radio 1 the following day.

Rodrigo Davies

Fun Lovin Silence

2008-09-11T05:45:00.001-07:00

Criminals play to headphone-clad Londoners
10 September 2008 - The Fun Lovin Criminals played a 'silent gig' at London's Koko tonight in which the only sound was heard through headphones.

The drummer, Frank Benbini, was in a soundproof box while singer/guitarist Huey and bassist Fast were amplified direct to audience members through each person's headphones.

The Criminals tore through their greatest hits, including Scooby Snacks, Loco and the Fun Lovin Criminals theme, to which the audience sang almost every word. Fans were divided on whether listening through headphones made the experience more or less enjoyable though, with some complaining that the music wasn't loud enough.

The Silent Disco concept was invented in Holland by DJ OD, who played a selection of well-worn party favourites on the night.

The event was originally planned to take place at the Royal Courts of Justice – and would have been the first rock gig ever to be held there – but was moved to Koko to allow more people to attend.

It's been twelve years since the Fun Lovin Criminals' hit album Come Find Yourself, but lead singer Huey said in an interview before the gig that they're working on new material and expect to release a new album next year.

The band is no stranger to odd venues – their next gig is at a Harley Davidson motorbike event in Lake Garda, Italy.

The Silent Disco organisers will stage their next events in Brighton, where several bands including Supergrass will play silently.

Rodrigo Davies

Underworld freebies

2008-09-10T09:45:00.001-07:00

Dance duo are giving away new songs in online broadcast
10 September 2008 - Underworld are following in the steps of Radiohead by giving tracks from their new album away for free.

The band will give away tracks as they are written by playing them on their online radio show, beginning with a broadcast tonight (10 September) live from the Isle of Wight at 8pm with special guest Rob Da Bank.

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music Karl from the band explained why internet releases work so well for the music industry.

“It actually feels like the right medium for an artist to work in,” he said. “We can control when and how to publish everything from a physical release that goes through a shop to, ‘here’s something we made last night on the bus,’ that we put out for free.

“We can make a web radio show or web television shows from the concerts. All of those things enable us to just feel like we’re in a system which suits an artist much better than the old system did.”

It’s been a year since Underworld’s seventh album release Oblivion With Bells but the band have been touring almost solidly for two years to fund their multi-platform output including freebies for fans.
"We can control when and how to publish everything from a physical release that goes through a shop to 'here’s something we made last night on the bus'."

As well as their online broadcasts and videos, online diary, touring and festival performances - Underworld have been appearing as both musicians and artists at art galleries around the world.

At the beginning of August they exhibited at the Jacobson Howard Gallery in New York for eight days to coincide with their concerts in the city.

Last year the band curated their own exhibition in Tokyo where they invited other bands to play alongside them.

They also indulged their love of art by publishing a free monthly art magazine on their website.

With such a busy schedule, Underworld occasionally yearn for less complex times.

Karl explains: “There are some days when Rick and I get up and go; ‘Shall we just like forget all this and write some songs and put some records out?!’ But in truth, we are where we want to be.”

“We’ve always wanted to have this freedom,” he continues. “We’ve always really been outsiders – particularly for the last 18 years. We’ve always been outside of the mainstream way of doing things.

“It’s never suited us to be entirely locked into that. Now we have that choice it feels like home to us. But it is an enormous amount of work!”

Visit www.underworldlive.com to listen to all their online broadcasts.

Juliette Burton

Elbow's Mercury Win

2008-09-09T15:45:00.001-07:00

Manchester band trump favourite Burial, Radiohead
09 September 2008 - Elbow won this year’s coveted Nationwide Mercury Music Prize, fighting off tough tough competition from the hot favourite, Burial.

The award, worth £20,000, was presented to the Manchester-based quintet at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel by Jools Holland, for their fourth album, The Seldom Seen Kid.

Gary Garvey, Elbow’s singer, said:
“This is quite literally the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I know I’m supposed to be cool but this is one of the best things that’s ever happened.”

The band was previously nominated in 2001 for their debut, Asleep in the Back. They dedicated tonight’s award to Bryan Glancy, a Manchester musician and friend of the band who died in 2006.

On the night Elbow performed The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver from The Seldom Seen Kid, a record that also features former Mercury nominee Richard Hawley on the track The Fix. Its release was delayed for two years as the band changed record labels.

Garvey told 6 Music:
“Literally all day today I’ve been thinking I don’t mind who wins. I was over the moon as it was, and this takes the cake. It’s like a really good Kate Bush record, my life at the moment.”

Ahead of the announcement, Burial was the clear favourite among the bookies, with Radiohead and Elbow joint second-favourites. Neither Burial nor Radiohead performed on the night, and Burial didn’t attend the event.

Dubstep artist Burial’s identity had been a closely guarded secret until he was announced as one of the nominees for tonight’s award. Shortly after he unmasked himself on his Myspace page as South Londoner Will Bevan.

Radiohead were beaten to the award for the fourth time. They missed out most notably in 1997 when the universally acclaimed OK Computer lost out to Roni Size’s New Forms. Bassist Colin Greenwood and Guitarist Ed O’Brien were at the awards bash and told 6 Music before the result was announced that they didn’t expect to win:

"I think it would be so embarrassing if we won. We’ve just been on tour and people told us we made a great record, but we don’t need that. Someone else does."

Radiohead’s In Rainbows, the seventh studio outing for the band, attracted worldwide attention after the band chose to release it online and allowed fans to choose the price they paid for it.

The most dramatic entrance to tonight’s event was undoubtedly that of Neon Neon – the collaboration between Super Furry Animals’ frontman Gruff Rhys and American producer Boom Bip. The duo, whose Stainless Style album was based around the life of John De Lorean, arrived in two De Lorean cars.

Klaxons won the award last year for Myths of the Near Future, beating off competition from Amy Winehouse and two former winners, Arctic Monkeys and Dizzee Rascal.

Rodrigo Davies

New Razorlight song

2008-09-09T03:45:00.001-07:00

Johnny Borrell and co. unveil their next single from the forthcoming album
09 September 2008 - The newest Razorlight single Slipway Fires is coming – released on 3 November on Vertigo Mercury.

It's their first song from their third offering, Wire to Wire, which is set for release on 26 September as a download followed by the physical release on 27 October.

The single got its first 6 Music airing this morning on Sean Keaveny’s Breakfast Show .

Speaking about the album - which was recorded with Mike Crossey in North London - frontman Johnny Borrell says: "We recorded onto tape, the whole thing took about six weeks. We wanted to make a record without any studio trickery, without too much production."

The band – whose second album Razorlight debuted at number 1 in the UK, are thrilled with the result, says drummer Andy Burrows: "The album's finished and we're all in a really good place. I can't wait for us to get out and play it live."

In early October Razorlight – who’ve had several top 10 singles - are due to play a show at the Forum in Kentish Town.

Georgie Rogers

Behind the Mercurys

2008-09-08T11:45:00.001-07:00

Find out more about the 12 Mercury nominees by listening to a special series of reports by 6 Music

08 September 2008 - In the twelve days leading up to the Mercury Music prize ceremony 6 Music have been running special reports giving a more detailed insight into the twelve acts shortlisted for the prestigious prize.

You can listen to them again by following the links below.

ADELE , 19

Persistently tagged ‘the next Amy Winehouse’, Adele Adkins was propelled into public consciousness hot on the heels of Lily Allen and Kate Nash. But the former Brit School student lived up to the hype by winning the critics choice Brit Award in February.

“There has been a lot of hype, and I think hype is the worst thing, but the hype has come from hometown glory, so it’s not like people are talking about me and they haven’t heard my music.”

Listen to the full story here .

ALISON KRAUSS & ROBERT PLANT , Raising Sand

The Led Zeppelin singer has a longer recorded history than any other nominee this year, but has put aside his rock legend status to team up with bluegrass vocalist Alison Krauss.

“When I first got a call from him I was trying to put the baby to sleep so I had to talk really quietly and not sounded excited at all, so I wouldn’t wake the baby up. And he said ‘Well, I’ll be going now.’”

Listen to the full story here .

BURIAL, Untrue

Radio One’s dubstep queen Mary Ann Hobbs was one of the only people who knew the real identity of the anonymous producer Burial.

She told 6 Music: “This is what people have found so enchanting about Burial, the fact that he is such an incredibly mysterious character. He guards his privacy very, very closely and even within the dubstep scene itself, nobody really know what he looks like. There’s only about four of us in the world who know.”

However, soon after the nominations were revealed, the musician came forward and revealed his identity on his Myspace page with a message and a photo.

His statement read: “Over the last year the unknown thing became an issue so I’m not into it any more. I’m a low key person I just want to make some tunes and nothing else. My name’s Will Bevan I’m from south London I’m just keeping my head down and I’m just gonna go and finish my next album.”

Listen to the full story here .

ESTELLE, Shine

The female UK MC Estelle sprang from performing in London clubs with the likes of Roots Manuva.

She exploded onto the scene this year with her album Shine but unbeknown to most, she’s been knocking on the doors of the big wigs for years.

Her big break came in 2004 when she released her solo debut album, The 18 ^th Day but it is only really now that she is getting full recognition.

And it’s about time, says Dizzee Rascal: “Her story is good because she’s another one from the underground, upwards, working for so long. She’s been doing this for years and the world is watching her now, finally.”

Listen to the full story here .

ELBOW, The Seldom Seen Kid

We explore Elbow’s standing as a ‘band’s band’, looking into their commitment to songwriting which has earned them respect from other artists.

The self-depreciating vocalist Guy Garvey told 6 Music about the first time he heard that they were considered a ‘band’s band’: “When you’re a bass player out of work, or a drummer out of work or whatever, you put a sign up in the local guitar shop and if a band put one of those signs up saying, ‘influences include’ - its got to be bands that all of the members of the group agree on because you don’t wanna send out the wrong single. We always appeared on those which is great, and really flattering.”

Listen to the full story here .

LAURA MARLING, Alas I Cannot Swim

This talented female was just 16 when she started to get noticed and told us: “I started writing when I was a nipper and I started playing guitar when I was even more a nipper, when I was about 5, my dad plonked a guitar in my hand and I very willingly started playing it. And then I released two EP’s, one of which wasn ’t very good and one which was alright and then that album’s out.”

Recorded in a month and a half in West London, the stunning offering Alas I Cannot Swim was produced by the Noah And The Whale frontman Charlie Fink and Laura Marling’s one-time boyfriend.

Fink sang her praises when speaking to 6 Music: “It was just amazing seeing her progression over that year, the way she went from writing the songs she had at the start to writing the songs that got put on the album. It was phenomenal the distance she covered and it was great to be part of that, to have helped and been part of that process, it’s definitely something I’m gonna be very proud of for a while.”

Listen to the full story here .

NEON NEON , Stainless Style

One of the least conventional releases on this year’s list comes from a collaboration between Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys, and American producer Boom Bip. The duo’s cosmic, electronic affair follows the life story of John De Lorean, maker of the De Lorean car featured in the Back to the Future films.

Rhys explained how De Lorean came about: “Boom Bip presented me with these rather glassy sounding beeps and I couldn’t really project anything from my life onto those beeps and make it sound in any way credible.”

Listen to the full story here .

PORTICO QUARTET , Knee-Deep In The North Sea

These four Londoners give Jazz gets a very modern twist on record, but also gained a lot of attention and a dedicated fanbase by busking outside the National Theatre on the capital’s South Bank.

Milo from the band said: “We offer something different and maybe that plays a part in it. We’ve gone more of an indie way by playing bars and student venues, it isn’t really very normal for a jazz quartet to go that route.”

Listen to the full story here .

RACHEL UNTHANK & THE WINTERSET , The Bairns

All but unknown outside the folk scene, the four women from Northumberland led by Rachel Unthank are seen as the bright lights for a new folk generation. They’re bidding to be the first artists from the genre to win the prize.

Rachel said: “As far as music awards go, it’s one of the best because it’s about albums, it’s about music and not about how popular you are. It opens it up to the public at large to have a listen and see if they like what they hear.”

Listen to the full story here .

RADIOHEAD , In Rainbows

Denied the prize three times in the past, the Oxfordshire quintet’s seventh album boasts not only critical acclaim but also the unique claim to have allowed listeners to choose the price they paid for it. In Rainbows’ unconventional online release caused a stir and prompted a huge number of artists to rethink the way they release music.

Bassist Colin Greenwood said: “Our background is art school. We’re not music players, we’re inspired the music around us.”

Listen to the full story here .

THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS , Age of the Understatement

Alex Turner already has one Mercury prize under his belt as part of Arctic Monkeys, but his side project with Rascals’ singer Miles Kane had an even more meteoric rise to prominence than the Arctics. The album also had a more complex musical style, employing an orchestra and the services of Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford as producer and drummer.

Matt Helders from the Arctic Monkeys said: “It’s obviously different to what we do. It’s more epic, it sounds instantly more classic, like a big album.”

Listen to the full story here .

Rodrigo Davies and Georgie Rogers

Britney Storms MTV

2008-09-08T07:45:00.001-07:00

Spears scoops trio of awards as Russell Brand courts controversy
08 September 2008 - Britney Spears made a triumphant comeback at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, winning a trio of prizes including best video, best pop video and best female video.

Spears' Piece of Me won her awards in all the categories she was nominated for. She didn’t perform at the awards, instead she took part in a short comedy sketch alongside Superbad actor Jonah Hill and received a standing ovation.

The awards in Los Angeles had a better reception than last year's ceremony, which attracted controversy for appearing to be under-rehearsed and mimed.

Spears repeatedly thanked God, her family and her recently re-hired manager Larry Rudolph in her acceptance speeches.

"I’m speechless," Spears said on accepting her award for Best Pop Video, presented by Paris Hilton. "Firstly I want to thank God for blessing me like this, my beautiful family, Jive Records, Barry Wise, Larry Rudolph for always believing in me, and of course all of my fans. Thank you so much. This means a lot."

"After all this glory, for god's sake, don't die." Russell Brand congratulates Britney Spears
Host of the ceremony Russel Brand congratulated Britney saying: "You have conquered the whole of the VMA awards. You stand above it as a colossus. You’re certainly back, you look more beautiful than ever, it’s wonderful!"

He added, "After all this glory for God’s sake don’t die!"

Brand made some typically controversial statements during his opening speech at the awards. Brand openly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama in a sexually charged monologue.

Brand said "Could I please ask of you, people of America, please elect Barack Obama. Some people, I think they’re called racists, say America is not ready for a black president."

The host went on to say, "I know America to be a forward-thinking country because, otherwise, you know, would you have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years?”

Brand’s comments were met by nervous applause from the American audience.

Others to appear at the awards included Christina Aguilera who performed Then And Now dressed all in black. Last year’s big winner Rihanna sang Disturbia and Seven Nation Army and Pink’s performance of her new song So What was lit by a backdrop of pyrotechnic wizardry.

Earlier in the evening Paramore sang Sunset Strip and Whiskey A Go Go. Kid Rock, The Ting Tings, and teenage favourites the Jonas Brothers also performed.

Katie Perry sang her summer hit I Kissed A Girl with Travis Barker on accompanying on drums as well as covering Madonna’s Like A Virgin.

Chris Brown won Best Male Video for With You. Linkin Park won Best Rock Video for Shadow Of The Day and Lil Wayne won Best Hip Hop Video for Lollipop. Tokio Hotel won Best New Artist and Pussycat Dolls won Best Dancing In A Video for When I Grow Up.

Kanye West closed the ceremony with a debut performance of his new song. West vowed last year never to return to the MTV Video Music Awards after failing to win any awards but was welcomed back this year with his closing performance.

Juliette Burton

Amy's Shoddy Set

2008-09-07T05:45:00.001-07:00

Amy disappoints and The Specials and Grace Jones surprise Bestival
07 September 2008 - Amy Winehouse disappointed fans at Bestival with a lack lustre headline performance on the main stage last night (Saturday 06 September).

The singer turned up 45 minutes late and mumbled her way through half a set.

Onlookers said Amy appeared bored and miserable: "She looks dreadful and she can’t sing any more it's very, very sad," commented one fan.

And another joined the chorus of disappointment: "It was awful. She needs to go straight back to rehab. I've never seen her before but it struck me as quite solemn and sad."

When Amy finally did make it to the stage she looked frail and sounded incoherent and stumbled her way through the first few tracks with patchy applause.

"It was awful. She needs to go straight back to rehab. I've never seen her before but it struck me as quite solemn and sad." Bestival punter on Amy Winehouse

People shouted out encouragement from the crowd and things seemed to pick up during Back to Black but it was the only highlight of her 45 minute set.

Curiosity seemed to hold most of the audience in place, but, as Amy herself shouted at the crowd, they weren't really bothered whether or not she finished the performance.

One festival goer insisted her live show has taken a turn for the worse as her personal problems continue to affect every aspect of her life: "She’s not as good as she was 18 months ago," he said.

"I feel worried for her to be honest. Going out there she was struggling and I saw her up close – her face didn’t look brilliant.”

Elsewhere at Bestival members of The Specials reformed for an impromptu set.

Organiser Rob da Bank had been teasing punters with the promise of mystery guests and both The Specials (albeit without Jerry Dammers) and Grace Jones made surprise appearances.

Elizabeth Alker

Bestival weather warning

2008-09-05T05:45:00.001-07:00

Forecasters predict a soggy start to the weekend
05 September 2008 - Forecasters have issued a weather warning for the Isle of Wight - as Bestival kicks off, with the worst of it expected today.

Thunder storms are predicted tonight and heavy rain is brewing this afternoon with strong winds also expected, campers are facing a battle of the elements with 45 mph gusts heading for Robin Hill Park.

It’s not all bad news though, and tomorrow and Sunday will be brighter according to Met Weather forecaster Helen Chivvers:

“We should see the sun coming out on Saturday, and also at times on Sunday, so it won’t be a complete wash out, but we do have a Met office weather warning for 20-40mm of rain during today, most of that should fall by mid afternoon, but we will see some heavy showers and possibly some thunder storms coming along this evening, as we go through Saturday n Sunday I think more in the way of showers, and there will be some sunshine, but certainly very wet under foot.”

Bestival boss Rob Da Bank reckons his team are ready for it though and says measures have been taken to tackle the conditions.

Writing in his blog the DJ-turned-promoter says:

"Don't want to get too British and bang on about the weather but we may be in for a slightly damp one for the first time at Bestival – but hey ho we're ready and the theme is '30,000 Freaks Under The Sea', so it's all my fault."

One lady looking forward to donning her finest though is Ida Maria:

“I’m gonna dress up like a transvestite, but then I have to become a male first and then get female and that’s a bit tricky. I will see what I can do. I really wonder if my band will cross dress, my bass player he loves my dresses, he is the same size, we have fancy dress parties all the time.”

6 Music will be bringing you regular updates thoughout the weekend, so keep checking back for all the latest backstage gossip, and weather reports.

Jo Youle

Coldplay Lead Q Noms

2008-09-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

They're up for four awards, including Best Act In The World Today
2 September 2008 - Coldplay score for nominations at this year’s Q Awards, leading a pack that includes U2, Oasis, Muse, Metallica and Kings of Leon.

Chris Martin’s outfit are up for four nominations - Best Act In The World Today, Best Track, Best Video and Best Album at the annual event.

Other multiple nominees include The Ting Tings are also up for three gongs (Best New Act, Best Track and Best Video), while newcomers Fleet Foxes, The Last Shadow Puppets and Vampire Weekend are in the running for two apiece.

Coldplay score for nominations at this year’s Q Awards, leading a pack that includes U2, Oasis, Muse, Metallica and Kings of Leon

The awards take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in Park Lane, London on October 6.

The full list of nominees for the Q Awards is:

Breakthrough Artist
Duffy
Adele
Santogold
Bon Iver
Gabriella Cilmi

Best New Act
Fleet Foxes
Glasvegas
The Ting Tings
The Last Shadow Puppets
Vampire Weekend

Best Track
Keane - Spiralling
Duffy - Mercy
Coldplay - Violet Hill
Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name

Best Video
Hot Chip - Ready To The Floor
Coldplay - Violet Hill
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
Goldfrapp - Happiness

Best Live Act
Kaiser Chiefs
Kings Of Leon
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
The Verve
Rage Against The Machine

Best Album
Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death Or And All His Friends
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Nick Cave And The Band Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!!

Best Act In The World Today
Coldplay
Oasis
Muse
Metallica
Kings Of Leon

Matt Everitt

Coldplay V's Stipe

2008-08-31T05:45:00.001-07:00

Chris Martin Reveals New Album Details
31 August 2008 - Yesterday two of the biggest bands in the world went head to head on BBC 6music as Coldplay chatted to Michael Stipe live in the studio with Steve Lamacq.

Following reports that Coldplay planned to release a record this year it fell on Stipe to get to the bottom of the rumours: “Is it true?” he asked. To which Martin replied:

“We’re going to put an EP out at Christmas called Prospects March and we’re going to release an album next December to end the decade.”

Martin then turned to Will Champion and asked: “Is it [the EP] called Prospects March or Prospects Song?” Before adding: “Lets ask Michael Stipe!”

“We’re going to put an EP out at Christmas called Prospects March and we’re going to release an album next December to end the decade.” Chris Martin - Coldplay
Stipe preferred Prospects March and the band agreed.

This EP will come only months after Coldplay's 4 ^th studio album Viva La Vida which was released in June this year. But as previously reported, the band recorded so much material during the writing of Viva La Vida they had more than enough for one album.

Both REM and Coldplay were gearing up for shows in London last night (Saturday 30 ^th August). Coldplay played the BBC Radio Theatre and REM closed their show at the Twickenham Stadium.

The two acts have been friends for years and Stipe gave a full endorsement of Coldplay’s music: “For me, having been around for 28 years, doing this, I’m thrilled when a band like Coldplay come along," he said and then continued gushing:

"I think great! Here are some contemporaries I respect what they do and they’re really smart fun people great people to be around and they’re very close friends.”

You can listen again to the interview by clicking here

Elizabeth Alker

Review: Kasabian

2008-08-29T01:45:00.001-07:00

Fans are left gasping for the new album as the band rock Newcastle
29 August 2008 - Huge black shades, a waistcoat with a massive rose and a rockstar swagger.

Tom Meighan walked onto the stage with his arms held in a messianic pose to the roar of the crowd.

Shoot the Runner set the tone for an incredibly charged sell out gig at Newcastle Academy on 28 August. The joint was literally jumping from the word go. A sea of arms stretched out following their charismatic leader.

More old favourites followed with Sun/Rise/Light/Flies, Cutt Off and then Processed Beats. While the rest of the band kept a low profile, Tom was characteristically vocal throughout the night – rousing the crowd to sing and telling them how good they sound.

The shades then came off to introduce a new track from the eagerly awaited 3 ^rd album, due out early next year.

Fire proved a big hit with its Primal Scream-esque electronica indie sound. The band had been working on it for the last seven months were clearly pleased with the audience reaction.

Reason is Treason got a massive cheer and the pogo-ing stepped up a gear for Me plus One.

This was followed by ID but as soon the synths started on Empire, everyone went mental and the beer started to really fly.

At one point Meighan was conducting the crowd like a rock maestro. With Fast Fuse and The Doberman, the band teased the audience by taking them on a rollercoaster ride culminating in an impressive crescendo accompanied by a mass singalong.
Kicking off the encore with Club Foot, the crowd surfing pogo-ing fans drowned out the lead vocals and the beer showers took on a life of their own.

The Leicester lads then walked off stage and if that had been it, I suspect the audience would have gone home satisfied. But this live act showed no danger of stopping.

Moments later, they came back on to a rapturous applause. Kicking off the encore with Club Foot, the crowd surfing pogo-ing fans drowned out the lead vocals and the beer showers took on a life of their own.

The venue was hot, sticky, packed and illuminated by strobe lighting - a perfect environment for Stuntman, a dance rock crossover track. No wonder their headline gig at Creamfields last weekend went down a storm.

A brief cover of The Source’s 1991 house hit You Got the Love was sung by guitarist Serge Pizzorno. This morphed into LSF and the crowd exploded bringing Meighan to his knees.

Casually leaning on a drum kit now, Meighan grinning like a Cheshire cat, surveyed the crowd singing along to just a drum beat working up to a climatic finish. The band seem as delighted as their audience.

Meighan thanks them for a fantastic night, but then decides to make it even better for one fan. “Who wants the f***in tambourine?” And with that he flings the instrument into the crowd.

Sharuna Sagar

Review: De La Soul

2008-08-28T05:45:00.001-07:00

Three is a Magic Number as they kick-start their residency in the UK capital
28 August 2008 - 20 years after their first ever gig in London, De La Soul returned last night for the first of a five night residency at the city’s Jazz Café.

The legendary hip hop three piece formed in 1988 and throughout a career spanning two decades De La Soul have made 8 albums, been honoured at the Grammy’s and made an essential contribution to the evolution of a jazz-rap subgenre.

Tonight they kicked off with their classic track and debut single Potholes In My Lawn taken from their groundbreaking 1989 record Three Feet High and Rising .

This album famously introduced De La Soul’s concept of the D.A.I.S.Y age and won them the title ‘neo hippy.’

However there was nothing hippy about them tonight as they sweated through their New York Yankees tracksuit tops and baseball caps and bounced up and down in heavy Timberland boots.

Despite David Jude Jolicoeur declaring it was his 40th birthday in two weeks he and his two fellow band-mates, Kelvin Mercer (Pos) and Vincent Mason (Maseo) jumped around the stage and joked with the audience as though they were not a day older than 19.

The 300 capacity crowd were like putty in their hands especially when they played hits such as Vibrations and Me Myself and I.

Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey), which reached number 10 in 1991, also got the audience throwing some serious shapes.

De La Soul are seasoned entertainers and as well as a game of musical statues, they instigated a sing off between different sections of the crowd, invited audience members to join them on stage and ended the gig with a lap of honour of the room which saw them shaking hands, chatting to, and having their photographs taken with adoring fans.
“This is the third time I’ve seen them at the Jazz Café. I saw them in 1991 and they were as good tonight as they ever were.”

The set list included some new material which sounded more frenetic and electronic than the band’s older classics.

It wasn’t received as well and there was a general feeling amongst punters after the gig that they could have played more hits – especially at £32 - £50 a ticket.

Surprisingly they did not play their biggest hit The Magic Number or collaboration with Gorillaz, Feel Good Inc. which reached number 2 in the charts.

Other well known tracks such as Say No Go or Eye Know were also conspicuously absent.

In some ways it was refreshing that De La Soul refused to churn out a predictable 20 year anniversary set, but this fan wasn’t alone in thinking their old material is still their best: “There wasn’t enough old stuff and I wish they’d played The Magic Number. Their old stuff is their greatest stuff definitely. There should have been more old stuff.”

The set was simple with only the group, three mikes and CD turn tables on stage.

The use of CD’s is one thing that’s certainly changed since they first played the UK but according to the die hard fans De La Soul sound as fresh now as they did 20 years ago: “They were absolutely brilliant. They always are. This is the third time I’ve seen them at the Jazz Café. I saw them in 1991 and they were as good tonight as they ever were.”

Elizabeth Alker

Roots wants Blunt

2008-08-28T03:45:00.001-07:00

Perhaps the most unlikely pairing of the century: Blunt and Manuva to collaborate
28 August 2008 - He may be one of the UK's most talented and highly respected hip-hop artists, but Roots Manuva has told 6 Music he's planning a collaboration with You're Beautiful star James Blunt.

It was reported that Roots Manuva had wanted to work with Blunt and when asked if he was joking, Roots Manuva responded: “No, no, we’re sorting that out, he knows.”

He’s due to release his new album Slime And Reason on Ninja Tunes’ label on 1 September - and might be getting back into the studio with Blunt pretty soon.

But he didn’t have much of an idea what form the collaboration will take, telling the BBC: “We’ll just get in the studio, have a few wines, eat some cake and go for it.”

Turning to how contact between the unlikely pair was made, Roots Manuva explained: “I’m a personal friend of his [Blunt's] guitarist and he put the message in, and he’s up for it.”

As to when we might see the fruits of their labour, Roots Manuva said: “It could be pretty soon, I’ve got some time off coming up soon so I’m gonna pursue it, I’m definitely gonna try and get something in the bag.”

“We’ll just get in the studio, have a few wines, eat some cake and go for it.”
Roots Manuva

A more positive sound

Speaking about his first single from the new album Buff Nuff, released in July, Roots Manuva described it as a “cheesy chat up song”.

“I was trying to be as cheesy as possible and stupid as possible in two and a half minutes. I was just having fun, I never expected that song to be a single,” Roots Manuva said.

The critic's reckon that buoyant attitudes have seeped into the sound of his new album, Slime And Reason , which is noticeably more upbeat than his last offering, Awfully Deep .

Roots Manuva agreed: “That’s what people keep telling me that it’s positive. I was joking, I was in the most economically sound and domestically sound state of mind and I was having a laugh and a joke.”

The new single Again and Again was released this week, on 25 August.

Georgie Rogers

R.E.M hate Bush

2008-08-27T03:45:00.001-07:00

The band’s frontman is backing Barack Obama for US president
27 August 2008 - The American singer, Michael Stipe, known for being socially and politically active, is supporting Barack Obama and has spoken out about his hatred for George Bush.

Initially speaking of Michelle Obama, Barack Obama’s wife, Stipe said: “She’s a lawyer and she’s a mother, she knows how to present an argument, she knows how to present her ideas in a way that I think are understandable and I think she’s obviously a very smart and bright woman.”

And turning to Barack, Stipe went on to say: “Her husband is probably what my country needs more than anything right now.”

As to the kind of person and President the musician would like to see inhabit the White House, Stipe is championing everything Barack Obama stands for.

“You want an exceptional American, yeah, and I think he’s probably an exceptional person. You look at the way he’s put his campaign together and the way he responds to many of the criticisms that are already being lobbed at him, either from the Clinton family or from the McCains,” he told the One Show.

And Stipe has absolute faith that Obama will succeed in the Presidential race, saying: “Yes, I think he’s going to make it and it will be a better day for all of us.”
"That’s a reference to our current president who I very publicly despise. I just can’t stand the guy or his administration."
Michael Stipe

New single

R.E.M’s latest album is called Accelerate , which was released on 1 April this year.

Their new single is titled Man Size Wreath and begins with the lyrics: “Turn on the TV and what do I see / A pageantry of empty gestures all lined up at me.”

Stipe explained the lyrics: “That’s a reference to our current president who I very publicly despise. I just can’t stand the guy or his administration and it was about him going to the graveside of Martin Luther King, one of my heroes, and I think desecrating the memory of that great man and his work by being there during the Iraq war. I found it pathetic so I wrote that song about it.”

Still going strong

R.E.M formed back in 1980 and have a mammoth 15 studio and live albums in their back catalogue.

Turning to whether he’s had enough of the lifestyle of a musician, Stipe said he’s as passionate as ever about music.

“I think I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I love my job, I love the people I do it with and I think touring and writing music is really what I was intended to do, I love it,” he said.

Barack Obama is due to be officially nominated at the Democratic Convention for President tomorrow.

Georgie Rogers

Reading/Leeds Day 2

2008-08-24T09:45:00.001-07:00

Killers, Editors and Mystery Jets all on the bill.
24 August 2008 - The killers headlined day 2 of the Reading festival last night (23rd August).

The band played a mix of classic crowd pleasers and new material including the song Spaceman which is the first time this track has aired in the UK.

Brandon Flowers and co. have been taking a break from live gigs and have hidden away in the studio for the last few months but speaking to the BBC they said how it felt to be back playing in front of thousands of people:

"It's strange. We're going to play a couple of songs from Sawdust and we're going to try a couple of new songs. At first it was a bit striking but we're starting to ease into it."

They also revealed that the new record would probably be released in November and even though it's been in the pipeline for a while they said they'd enjoyed taking a break from the live scene:

"It feels like we've had a healthy break. We haven't played a show since November which is about eight or nine months off. Just enough time to make the record."

"It feels like we've had a healthy break. We haven't played a show since November which is about eight or nine months off. Just enough time to make the record" Brandon Flowers - The Killers
Editors also took to the main stage at Reading yesterday. Ed explained that is was coming to heavy rock bashes like Reading as a teenager that inspired him to be in a band: "The excitment of a festival was really encapsulated by those big rock bands," he said. "It made me want to be part of it I guess."

Editors will play Leeds tonight (24th August) before being airlifted to Manchester to support REM: "This is very much the conclusion of our album tour in the next couple of weeks," Ed explained.

"These are our last home shows. We go on a few dates with REM and then we're finished so we're fully concentrating on the next record."

The Mystery Jets have also been on the festival bill over the last couple of days. They've been taking a break while their drummer Blaine Harrison recovers from health problems.

But in an interview with 6music on site at Reading, it sounded like they'd coped well with having to cancel shows: "I don't think it was difficult at all. For Blaine it was difficult. No one wants to be the party pooper. But he's strong and we all see it for what it is," they said before adding:

"We'll be back and we'll be playing more gigs and in the long run it won't matter."

Elizabeth Alker

Reading/Leeds underway

2008-08-22T09:45:00.001-07:00

We speak to some of the acts as thousands of rockers kick-off the party
22 August 2008 - Reading and Leeds festivals are upon us again this weekend (22-24 August) and performers XX Teens, The Enemy, Does It Offend You Yeah? give us their lowdown.

Today (22 August) is the first day and will see Rage Against The Machine, Metallica, The Cribs, Babyshambles, Vampire Weekend and more play across the two sites.

Coventry trio finish-up

Leeds festival marks the grand finale to almost two years of touring for the Coventry trio and will be their last live show of the year.

Frontman Tom Clarke says he's looking forward to it, but also a bit of time out: “It’s gonna be our last set of the year at Leeds then we’re gonna take a bit of time off, as we’ve been on tour constantly for two years. We’ve had no more than a week off so it’s gonna be nice to go home and put our feet up.

“But Leeds was an amazing festival. Last year we played the gig and then went straight out into the crowd to have a chat with the fans, it’s just a brilliant vibe at Leeds.”

Even though Leeds’ atmosphere pleased them, Tom says it might be hard to top their set at last year’s Reading bash.

“Reading was the highlight of our year last year I think,” he told 6 Music. “It was again one of those unexpected things where you turn up and you know it’s gonna be good, but you don’t really know how good. We walked on stage and got the most tremendous receptions. It’s amazing to go out there and have your expectations shattered.”

And as for their onstage antics, Tom reminisced: “Andy dived off the stage into the crowd and as he came back out the security attacked him because they thought he was a fan trying to get on the stage. That was quite fun to watch.”
"When we hear Rage playing, we’re gonna be like: 'Thank you very much, good night.' And just go and watch Rage because we’re fans of them."
Does It Offend You, Yeah?

Miles Kane’s hectic schedule

The Rascals’ frontman will be playing two gigs, today (22 August) in Leeds and on Sunday (24 August) in Reading - one with his band, The Rascals, on the Festival Republic stage, and then later with an orchestra and his famous mate, Alex Turner.

Their side-project, The Last Shadow Puppets, are hitting up the Radio 1 stage and Miles joked about how he will get from one gig to the next.

“We’re playing and then I’m doing The Last Shadow Puppets in the night as well, so I’m getting ‘copter-ed over,” he said.

To which the rest of his Rascals’ bandmates laughingly interjected with: “And we’ll get the megabus home.”

XX Teens’ trip down memory lane

Rich and Antony from XX Teens say they've only been to Reading once before - and they had quite different experiences.

Rich said: “I went and saw Blur once one year and then urgh, the horrible Red Hot Chilli Peppers were playing and I was a bit sick to myself.”

To which Antony interjected: “I saw them too, they were fantastic.”

XX Teens are often compared to The Fall and they say maybe it was their one visit to Reading years ago, that sealed their fate: “The Fall played, I like The Fall. We sound just like The Fall and they played and we just made notes together. We’ve just been dining out on it ever since.”

Does It Offend You, Yeah?’s tight spot

The English electro rockers Does It Offend You, Yeah? are also on the Reading/Leeds bill energising crowds with their upbeat dance inflected live shows.

The band say Reading and Leeds is a bit of a homecoming for them having toured their debut album, You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into , extensively in recent months.

They're a bit gutted to be playing so close to when headliners Rage Against The Machine are on stage though: “When we hear Rage playing, we’re gonna be like: ‘Thank you very much, good night.’ And just go and watch Rage because we’re fans of them, it’s gonna be a tough one, but a good one.”

And the gap between their sets isn’t as tight as it could have been, as vocalist James Rushent said: “I think we’re on an hour before them, at the same time as Queens Of The Stone Age, so that’s pretty good.”

Georgie Rogers

Kerrang winners

2008-08-22T03:45:00.001-07:00

This year's awards knees-up attended by Metallica, Slipknot and Carl Barat
22 August 2008 - The Kerrang! Awards were held in central London last night (21 August) with two massive rock acts headed for Reading and Leeds festivals being awarded.

Rage Against The Machine, who're currently making a comeback, were inducted into the Kerrang Hall Of Fame and Metallica received the Inspiration Award.

Rage frontman Zack De La Rocha thanked the The Clash, Public Enemy and Bob Dylan from the podium, while Metallica singer James Hetfield said heavy metal was “coming alive again.”

Actor Jared Leto’s band 30 Seconds To Mars scooped Best Single for From Yesterday with Best Album going to Avenged Sevenfold.

The surprise attendee of the night was Carl Barat, who confessed he used to be into heavy metal.

The former Libertines man and Dirty Pretty Things frontman said he wanted to see Rage Against the Machine: “I’m a massive fan… so I thought I’d pop down and see what was going on.”

Bullet For My Valentine, who scooped the award for Best British Band, also spoke to 6 Music.

Padge from the band explained what the awards night means to them: “It’s a great ceremony and it’s great to bring everyone together and have a good knees up. As for winning, we’re just happy to be invited”.

Jay added: “If you win something, it’s just rewarding after all the hard work you’ve done all year.”
"It’s a great ceremony and it’s great to bring everyone together and have a good knees up. As for winning, we’re just happy to be invited."
Bullet For My Valentine

Speaking to the organisers

Katie Parsons, the new bands editor for Kerrang! Magazine, spoke to 6 Music about the importance of the night: “In the world of rock and metal and heavy music, there aren’t many mainstream opportunities to be recognised as being good at what you do, and the Kerrang! awards is the biggest event of the year for mainstream press to recognise these sorts of people are doing something great.”

She also thinks the awards differ from those that are chosen by industry insiders: “It’s voted for by fans, so I think it means a huge amount to bands, regardless of their genre to be involved in the Kerrang! Awards in any way, whether that’s presenting, coming along as an attendee, being nominated or in fact winning.”

Hosting the event was Scott Ian, from Anthrax, who thought his job was preferable to being nominated: “At least I get to be doing something for an hour and a half, whereas if you’re just sitting in the audience, especially if you’re not even up for an award, award shows are the most boring thing in the world.”

Kerrang! Winners 2008

Best International Newcomer – Black Tide
Best British Newcomer – Slaves to Gravity
Kerrang! Icon – Slipknot
Best Video – Coheed and Cambria
Best Single – 30 Seconds to Mars – From Yesterday
Best Album – Avenged Sevenfold – Avenged Sevenfold
Best Live Band – Machine Head
Classic Songwriter – Def Leppard
Spirit of Independence – The Dillinger Escape Plan
Best British Band – Bullet For My Valentine
Best International Band – 30 Seconds to Mars
Hall of Fame – Rage Against The Machine
Inspiration – Metallica

Victoria Hannaford

Reverend resigns

2008-08-19T09:45:00.001-07:00

Frontman John McClure to quit the music biz after a second album
19 August 2008 - The Reverend And The Makers’ frontman plans to release the follow-up to their UK top 5 debut, The State Of Things , and then pack it all in.

McClure exclusively told 6 Music: "I don't want anything to do with this industry, it absolutely stinks."

The new album will be called The French Kiss In The Chaos , due for release in 2009.

The singer would then like to retire and become a “pedal taxi driver.”

It will all end in January

Their single, Heavyweight Champion of the World, received huge, mainstream pop success, reaching the UK top 10.

The band have also done a number of festival performances this summer, including Summer Sundae, V Festival, Ibiza Rocks and are set to play Get Loaded this coming weekend (24 August).

McClure’s other project, Mongrel, with former Arctic Monkeys’ bassist Andy Nicholson and Babyshambles’ guitarist Drew McConnell – is a mix of dub and hip-hop with an Iraqi rapper.

When asked if he feels apprehensive with the crossover between pop and alternative music, he dropped the bombshell: “It’s probably commercial suicide perhaps what I’m doing, but I’m gonna retire in January anyway.”

He says he finds the music industry a cynical world: "It's all done for profit and not for any degree of musical feeling or sentiment. Unfortunately, the press distort things to such a degree that you've not got a hope of knowing what the truth is, so it's not something that I want to participate in or fuel anymore.”

As to whether he actually intends on bowing out of the music industry completely, he responded: "Absolutely brother. It makes me tired and it makes me feel ill and I don't want anything more to do with it."

And the retirement wheels are already in motion as the singer says he’s sacked his management and plans to finish early next year.

"I'm gonna go out having told the truth and with my head held high and having stood for something,” the outspoken singer explained. “I feel like a sore thumb in a piranha pool in this industry. I don't like the way it's all run by rich men in their 50’s who went to private school. It's not something I want to be part of.”
"It makes me tired and it makes me feel ill and I don't want anything more to do with it."
John McClure

Record desires

McClure, who was once in a band with Arctic Monkeys’ man Alex Turner, also spoke about some of his contemporaries, saying: "You get these bands who have a few hits, say like the Pigeon Detectives, who come out with another album trying to do the same thing again.

"I'm going to make a record that's truly artistic, which is the Reverend and the Makers album, that's artistically interesting, then I'm going to retire and become a pedal taxi driver."

And the frontman concluded by describing his feelings towards his last offering: “It’s the best album that I could ever imagine in 2008, or 2009 which it will be by the time it comes out, but it sounds like everything that’s going on right now. I feel very, very proud of it - it’s a beautiful thing.”

See Reverend And The Makers play a session in 6 Music's hub.

Georgie Rogers

Bloc Party unveil LP

2008-08-19T03:45:00.001-07:00

Surprise announcement that the band's new album is available from Thursday
19 August 2008 - Bloc Party have revealed details of their new album during a webchat with their fans.

Their third record is titled Intimacy and the digital version of the record will be made available from their official website www.blocparty.com this Thursday 21 August.

However, the physical CD won't arrive until the 27 October - but the band have stated that it will contain extra as-yet-unnamed, "different tracks," from the digital version.

Produced by previous Bloc Party producers Paul Epworth (Silent Alarm) and Jacknife Lee (A Weekend in the City) the album is available to pre-order from the band's official website now.

Intimacy was recorded in Kent and London and the first single, Mercury, was released on 11 August and marks a more experimental sound for the band.

The band are set to perform at the Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend (22-24 August) and the Scotland Connect Festival on Saturday 30 August.

The Intimacy tracklisting:

1. Ares
2. Mercury
3. Halo
4. Biko
5. Trojan Horse
6. Signs
7. One Month Off
8. Zephyrus
9. Better Than Heaven
10. Ion Square

Georgie Rogers

Steady vs Radiohead

2008-08-18T11:45:00.001-07:00

"Radiohead have lost the plot" - Tad
17 August 2008 - "Radiohead have lost the plot". Not what were used to hearing about the band - but these are the words of Tad from The Hold Steady.

The guitarist has been exclusively talking to BBC 6 Music about his thoughts on the UK music industry, and in the interview he didn't hold back when it came to the 'Creep' artists.

Muse also came under fire, but he couldn't speak highly enough about Mancunian rockers Oasis.

When asked his thoughts about Radiohead's 'In Rainbows', Tad had this to say:

"I think they've lost the plot. What are they doing? Where are they going? What's happening? I don't get it any more. They lost me. I still appreciate what they're doing, or what they're trying to do. But I think they're trying too hard not to be Radiohead. That seems a little ridiculous to me".

Tad goes on to say:

"I like them as a rock band, all the buttons and sequencing and stuff like that I don't really care for. I'm a fan of rock music and what they're doing now I don't think is very good. When you have that kind of money, you can put on a great performance regardless of what you do. If you can't go out and pick up your instruments and play a good show, that doesn't do it for me. I don't have any interest in that".

Muse

V Festival headliners Muse also came in for a tongue lashing. Tad said of the band:

"There's tons of great musicians out there. There are a lot of people that rely on technology, electronics. I don't want to take anything away from them but it doesn't do it for me".

Oasis

But, Tad admits he does have a soft spot for Oasis.

"I love Oasis. I love them. I think that what they do is earnest. I think it's honest. When they get up and do what they do, it's one take and they get up and they perform. I trust Noel Gallagher to do a good job with the record".

Probably a wise idea to keep onside with the Gallaghers, eh Tad?

Louise Hulland

Girls' EMI muddle

2008-08-18T09:45:00.001-07:00

Roisin Murphy and Lily Allen struggling with the instability of EMI
18 August 2008 - The former Moloko singer, who was formerly signed to EMI, is a little concerned about the changes taking place at the label.

The classic British label was recently brought out by a private equity firm, and has since been making redundancies.

Some high profile artists have also been leaving the label, only last month the Rolling Stones parted ways, signing to Universal, after more than 20 years with EMI.

Whilst in 2007, Radiohead did not re-sign with EMI and it was reported that artists including Robbie Williams and Coldplay were disgruntled with the company.

The edgy electro-popstress told 6 Music: “It’s difficult because I was on EMI, which no longer exists, so I was floating around being looked after by all sorts of different people. It’s pretty difficult not to be frightened a little bit about it.”

But she’s remaining optimistic about her future in the music industry: “At the end of the day, I’ve been around long enough, I think I’ll be around if I want to be.”

And Murphy’s not the only one to speak about the label. Today (18 August) Lily Allen has claimed problems at EMI are delaying the release of her new album.

According to a message on her Myspace page, the album has been finished for a while but she says the ‘politics’ at EMI Records have left her confused.

She writes: "Lots of people have been fired or have taken redundancy recently as the company was taken over by a private equity firm called Terra Firma.

"Many of these people were people assigned to my projects and now I don't quite know what's going on. I'm sure everyone will find their feet soon enough and I'll be able to put the album out soon.”
"I was floating around being looked after by all sorts of different people. It’s pretty difficult not to be frightened a little bit about it."
Roisin Murphy

Roisin’s next album

Speaking at 6 Music’s Summer Sundae festival on 9 August, Roisin Murphy also spoke about her new material and revealed she’s made a track for a well-known designer brand - and she says she’s certainly enjoying all the perks that go with it: “I’ve done this song Slave To Love which has been used for a Gucci advert - and I get lots of free shoes and stuff – that I did with Sage [Francis] who I wrote and produced a lot of the record Overpowered with.”

Murphy made her comeback as a solo singer with 2005’s Ruby Blue and her 2007 album Overpowered .

With the same producer on board for her third solo offering, the former Moloko frontwoman says the new song is similar to her recent material.

“It has got that feeling that Overpowered , the track’s got,” she said. “It’s really kind of sleepy, synthesised vibe and it’s cool - so hopefully people will be able to make the connection between me and it when they’re singing it in their living rooms and stuff.”

Roisin says the same synthesised vibe is also likely to set the tone for her forthcoming album: “The tracks that I did with Sage are the spine of Overpowered , and I think if what I do is expand on what I did with Overpowered , or get deeper into it - then I think those are the kinds of sounds that I’ll be making.”

Meanwhile, Roisin Murphy has just been confirmed to headline Manchester Pride on Sunday 24 August.

She’ll be taking to the stage at the Manchester Academy at 22:00.

Georgie Rogers

Downloader Eno

2008-08-18T07:45:00.001-07:00

Forward-thinking Eno doesn’t like buying music from record shops
18 August 2008 - Brian Eno has been explaining why he and David Byrne have joined the download revolution; saying the music industry needed a shake up.

The new album from the recent Coldplay producer and former Talking Heads' leader, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today , is released today (18 August).

Eno previously told 6 Music about how they came to collaborate again, 27 years on from their 1981 album My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts .

But the new record is available as a download only, from everythingthathappens.com in a host of special download formats – the album was preceded by a freebie single called Strange Overtones (4 August).

Eno says that the download revolution has come at the right time because he felt the music industry had grown complacent: “The music industry really had a free ride. There was a huge appetite for buying music and they were selling it quite expensively actually, that fostered a generally quite lazy attitude within record companies.

“And then suddenly when challenged by the possibility of a different future, their only response was to try to resist it and to say that it isn’t going to happen and we’ll stop it from happening.”
"The music industry really had a free ride. There was a huge appetite for buying music and they were selling it quite expensively actually."
Brian Eno

He admitted that he prefers the modern way of purchasing music, telling 6 Music: “I myself noticed that I have stopped buying CD’s. I buy from itunes. I don’t like actually going into record shops much.”

Brian Eno told us that it's a young artist’s game these days, with or without the help of record labels, due to the growing online world: “Suddenly now we have a quite different situation which it seems to me, artists understand much better than record companies do.”

And he reckons that because of the all the online outlets, younger artists have more control now than ever: “Artists know how to use it, young artists are very comfortable with starting their careers on Facebook or Myspace or something like that – and they’re way ahead of the record companies in some respects.”

Eno and Byrne are even offering two of the songs as separate tracks so that budding remix artists can create their own versions.

An enhanced CD and a deluxe package CD of the album will be available later.

Read more from Eno about Byrne’s voice and their tour plans.

Georgie Rogers

The Hold Steady vs Radiohead

2008-08-17T05:45:00.001-07:00

"Radiohead have lost the plot" - Tad
17 August 2008 - "Radiohead have lost the plot". Not what were used to hearing about the band - but these are the words of Tad from The Hold Steady.

The guitarist has been exclusively talking to BBC 6 Music about his thoughts on the UK music industry, and in the interview he didn't hold back when it came to the 'Creep' artists.

Muse also came under fire, but he couldn't speak highly enough about Mancunian rockers Oasis.

When asked his thoughts about Radiohead's 'In Rainbows', Tad had this to say:

"I think they've lost the plot. What are they doing? Where are they going? What's happening? I don't get it any more. They lost me. I still appreciate what they're doing, or what they're trying to do. But I think they're trying too hard not to be Radiohead. That seems a little ridiculous to me".

Tad goes on to say:

"I like them as a rock band, all the buttons and sequencing and stuff like that I don't really care for. I'm a fan of rock music and what they're doing now I don't think is very good. When you have that kind of money, you can put on a great performance regardless of what you do. If you can't go out and pick up your instruments and play a good show, that doesn't do it for me. I don't have any interest in that".

Muse

V Festival headliners Muse also came in for a tongue lashing. Tad said of the band:

"There's tons of great musicians out there. There are a lot of people that rely on technology, electronics. I don't want to take anything away from them but it doesn't do it for me".

Oasis

But, Tad admits he does have a soft spot for Oasis.

"I love Oasis. I love them. I think that what they do is earnest. I think it's honest. When they get up and do what they do, it's one take and they get up and they perform. I trust Noel Gallagher to do a good job with the record".

Probably a wise idea to keep onside with the Gallaghers, eh Tad?

Louise Hulland

V Festival rocks for fans

2008-08-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

Chelmsford and Staffordshire play host to bands

16 August 2008 - V Festival is underway this weekend - with tens of thousands of fans there to seeThe Verve, Kings of Leon and Amy Winehouse.

Hylands Park in Chelmsford, and Weston Park in Staffordshire are playing host to the musical extravaganza - where around 150,000 will turn up to see top artists including Duffy and Kaiser Chiefs.

Lenny Kravitz, Alanis Morissette, Maximo Park, and The Hoosiers are also on the bill.

Muse are also taking to the stage - their only festival appearance this year. Dom from the band says it's important to them to perform well:

"Last time we played V, Chris had broken his wrist so we couldn't actually play properly. This year we wanted to do the festival so we could make up for that, because last time we didn't feel like we gave it the fuil 100%".

Many fans have been telling 6 Music how they've gone to V simply to see Muse perform - and have been singing the praises of the line up as a whole.

And the reports of the event being a wash out weather wise turned out to be false as the rain has stayed away.

"Last time we didn't feel like we gave it the fuil 100%" - Muse

Louise Hulland

Brixton Kings

2008-08-15T01:45:00.001-07:00

Small venue and big Kings Of Leon wow crowd in London for warm-up show
15 August 2008 - The Kings of Leon kicked things off with their new single Crawl, which sent fans crazy.

Hundreds of fans were treated to a one-off show at the Brixton Academy on Thursday night.

Which by the looks of things went down well, especially straight after the first note was strummed on leadman Caleb's guitar, there was jumping and moshing like crazy.

The band mixed things up with old and new material. Tunes such as Knocked Up and Charmer were the crowd's favourites.

"The energy was fantastic, clearly the best gig I've ever been to," was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to fan's personal reviews.

28 year old James loved every second of it.

"The background was amazing. That was the best gig I've ever seen at Brixton. It was brilliant".

His girlfriend Lisa agreed with him. "Kings of Leon are amazing anyway. And we've seen them at a festival and that was quite small (Brixton Academy) for the Kings of Leon. They're brilliant."

Simon was really pleased he managed to get his hands on a pair of the sold out tickets. "They were amazing. They were so good. They played all the best tunes. It was just worth it. We paid about 90 quid for the tickets on the black market and it was worth it 10 times over."
"Spectacular. best night out this year so far." Juliana

The track that sent the crowd wild

But which track was the one that got the whole crowd jumoping in mass unison? 33 year old Simon reckons he knows.

"Milk definitely, from Aha Shake. It was just, the whole place went crazy when it was on, and it was just brilliant. It was so good. Best night I've had in a long, long time."

His mate Joe, wasn't too sure.

"Milk was great. But I've got to say I was harking for a bit of Soft going on there, but everything was great." "They're not gonna play another small venue like this I don't think anymore.

So it was worth going to this kind of place tonight to check out this gig because from now on, they're gonna be playing some massive venues. So, pretty pleased we got involved on this one."

The show was opened by newcomers Glasvegas, who did a 5 song set, ending with Daddy's Gone, which is out on 25 August.

Kings of Leon's new album Only By The Night , hits stores on 22 September.

Chi Chi Izundu

Shambles' book

2008-08-14T05:45:00.001-07:00

Babyshambles' drummer exclusively tells 6 Music about the band's novel
13 August 2008 - Adam Ficek has told 6 Music news all about an upcoming novel each member of Babyshambles has contributed to.

The drummer told us the book will be a different perspective from each member on past events and life in Babyshambles.

"I spent all of last night, that’s why I'm very tired, just trying to get the final interview with Peter done. Everyone else has been interviewed. So this is the final interview. We finished with Peter last night. Its good and it should be out in November."

He says the book will be a warts and all tale, full of memorable times for both the band and fans.

"I think this is full of good anecdotes. And Peter was giving an insight into, just things people would be interested in, you know there's obviously a bit of Kate Moss stuff in there, a bit about, for instance, why we missed the Oasis dates."
"We're either the best band in the world or the worst. Depends on how you look at it."
Adam Ficek, drummer in Babyshambles

It's not all about Pete Doherty

Adam says the book is being written by a good friend of his.

He told 6 Music it has been a long and hard process, but they've been working hard to make sure they get everyone's side of the stories and events.

And he said that it isn't a page turner solely on Pete Doherty: "There's a lot of stuff regarding him and Kate's relationship, there's a lot of stuff regarding his view on the no-shows, his view on drugs, his view on the arrests and persecution, relationships with band members.

"But the good thing about it is, it's not a Peter book. It’s a book from our perspective as well, about how it affects us."

Adam says the band are very much aware of all the stuff that is said about them in the press and that the book won't be shying away from all the bad things that people suspect have or haven't been going on.

"It's not as dark and gritty that it covers every negative aspect of the band. But it gives you an insight into the kind of, like, the euphoric highs and the depressing lows of the band. And I think that's what is important about this band.

"No matter what veneer we put on this outside it has really dark elements to it, real dark places where you think you're never gonna get out of and then suddenly you're touring arenas and it's the most amazing thing in the world."

He was also talking to us also about his solo project, Roses, Kings, Castles which releases its second single, Entroubled, on September 8th. The debut album, Roses, Kings, Castles, is out on 6th of October.

As yet, there's not a title for the book. But keep watching the 6 Music News pages for more information.

Chi Chi Izundu

Radiohead denial

2008-08-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

Radiohead's management say they have not done the soundtrack for Choke
12 August 2008 - Controversial Fight Club and Snuff author Chuck Palahniuk revealed on Tuesday 12 August that Radiohead have written brand new music for the soundtrack to the new movie adaptation of his book Choke.

Speaking to 6 Music on the Shaun Keaveny Breakfast Show, Palahniuk explained it all came from his love of the band’s music, saying:

“ Clark Gregg, who directed the movie version of Choke which comes out in November, he knew that I’d written Choke while listening to [Radiohead’s 1993 debut album] Pablo Honey , with Creep , over and over and over.

“So Clark got Radiohead to contribute a song; to write a song for the very end of the movie, the final credits.
“Apparently Radiohead liked the movie so much, they’ve written the score"
Chuck Palahniuk

“Apparently Radiohead liked the movie so much, they’ve written the score, most of the ambient music throughout it. So it’s ‘Choke – with the music of Radiohead’“

When asked if he felt honoured to have such a respected band write music solely for his film, the author laughed, “I quit believing in my own life at this point! My life is just too incredible to be believable anymore. It’s a living dream.”

Palahniuk’s work is famously associated with alternative music, with his use of Pixies’ Where Is My Mind during the finale of the feature film adaptation of his novel Fight Club.

Radiohead's management

There has since been some confusion as to whether Palahniuk's comments are true.

Radiohead's people have now told 6 Music that the band's song Reckoner features alongside the final credits, but they denied that Radiohead have written the film's soundtrack.

We followed this up with Palahniuk today (Wednesday 13 August).

When asked if the world famous Radiohead have done the incidental, background, music for the film, Palahniuk said: “It’s the incidental music and I also thought it was the closing credits, sort of like the equivalent of the Pixies song in Fight Club - and Clarke really wanted to end the movie on a downbeat, kinda like The Graduate , where they’re finally together and on the bus and the future’s not entirely bright at that point. I know Clark was looking for a very downbeat, mellow sort of song.”

And when asked if he has heard the material Radiohead have done for the background, Palahniuk responded: “Yes, I have, and it is terrific, I really love everything about the movie, it is as good as Fight Club, and the romance is much more predominant.”

Matt Everitt

Franz stream song

2008-08-12T03:45:00.001-07:00

Tell 6 Music News what you think of Franz Ferdinand’s new song
12 August 2008 - Lucid Dreams is a new song from Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand and it’s being streamed on their website.

A message to fans on their website reads that the song is, "not a single."

It is however going to appear on a new American football computer game by EA Sports called Madden 09, which is due for release on 12 August.

To listen to Lucid Dreams head to the music section of Franz Ferdinand’s official site .

The song will be made available for a limited time only.

As previously reported , the band's new album has been delayed and is now due out in January 2009.

Have a listen and please leave your comments for 6 Music News below.

Georgie Rogers

Isaac Hayes dies

2008-08-11T03:45:00.001-07:00

The American funk-soul legend has died
11 August 2008 - The Academy Award winning singer was found dead at his home in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday 10 August.

The 65 year-old was found at 1.00pm by family members lying on the floor of his bedroom next to a treadmill that was still on.

Hayes, a singer songwriter and composer, who won an Oscar back in 1972 for Best Original Song for his theme from the film Shaft – had already suffered a stroke in 2006.

The star had also written a self-help book during his career titled The Way to Happiness .

Tim Samson, the Director of Communications at the Stax Museum Of American Soul Music in Memphis, speaks of Hayes’ legacy.

He said: “If you go back and listen to some of his earlier recordings like Hot Buttered Soul, he basically revolutionised the record industry and changed it forever was his 16/17 minute long songs.

“Isaac Hayes actually changed the way America and the world listen to music. Everyone thought he was crazy at the time but when they came out, they were a huge success.”

Reflecting on how he will be remembered, Samson said: “I think as one of the most important figures in the music industry, as one of the most philanthropic people in the music industry, and as one of the nicest people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
"He basically revolutionised the record industry and changed it forever was his 16/17 minute long songs."

In 1993, the star was crowned king of a small community in Ghana, and subsequently started the Isaac Hayes Foundation, returning there and opening an education centre in 2000.

There wasn’t much Hayes did not lend his hand to, running two restaurants in more recent years, masterminding a best-selling cookbook and top secret barbecue sauces.

The multi-talented Hayes had been married four times and leaves 11 children, as well as his most recent wife Adjowa, with whom he had one child.

Tricky, Portishead, Dr.Dre, Snoop Dogg and Destiny's Child are among those artists who have sampled Hayes' music.

Georgie Rogers

Matt's Blog Day 3

2008-08-10T09:45:00.001-07:00

Reporter Matt Everitt's at Leicester's Summer Sundae Weekender
09 Aug 2008 - Summer Sundae gallery

Sunday - 3.00pm.

I hate to keep banging on about the weather. It's one of those really predictable festival topics (like toilets), that always seem to get mentioned, but it does make a difference, as it does now with the sun beaming through the passing clouds.

As we speak, Wild Beasts are now on the main stage (they've been shifted up the bill as the Mystery Jets have sadly pulled out) and they sound rather fine. I can't help but think they're a bit like Curiosity Killed The Cat. But not in a visual, stylistic or musical way. It's just a vibe. Like if you spent too long staring at a Curiosity Killed The Cat-shaped lightbulb then suddenly looked at Wild Beasts - the image of the former would remain floating on your retina while you looked at the latter.

Wow, this cider's good.

11.30am

We're back to that schizophrenic weather thing again. So far its been rainy, then sunny, then rainy, then sunny, and so on. However, due to the smaller capacity of the site (about 6000) and the layout (there are few 'heavy traffic' paths) there's very little mud around. So, that early morning slog for breakfast and a trip to the loo that one has to endure at other festivals doesn't exist.

Similarly, as we're so close to the town, there are a lot of people who just rock up for day, meaning there's some fresh faces amongst the hungover frowns. Plus the family-centric nature of the festival means there are lots of kids pottering about giving the whole site a kind of picnic vibe. Its all very nice, I can tell you.

Saturday - 10.45pm

And of course she plays her classic hit, I Try.

"I try to say goodbye and I choke,
Try to walk away and I stumble,
Though I try to hide it, it's clear,
Apple crumble when you are not here...

Lovely.

10.35pm

...now she's playing a medley of Rod Stewart's Do You Think I'm Sexy and Dee-Lite's Groove Is In The Heart, which has just gone into a bizarre Russian Cossack tune, there's been a mini-stage invasion with people playing bits of orchestra percussion and Macy's band are all wearing pink Andy Warhol wigs.

It all feels like a musical version of Banana Splits directed by Hunter Thompson,

10.25pm

I don't know what i'm more surprised by; the fact that Macy Gray is currently onstage playing a cover of Radiohead's Creep.. Or that i'm enjoying it.

Would Thom York approve? I have no idea. She's making a pretty good job of it. Maybe Radiohead should bust out a version of 'I Try' at their next show.

8.40pm

She's now wearing the plate as a mask and it sounds like she's singing the theme from Batman accompanied by Sparks. Aaaaaand she's gone. Leaving the stage without playing a single Moloko track. And to be honest, she didn't need to. She was awesome.

8.30pm

She's playing Overpowered, a frankly incredible song made more incredible cos (MOU) she's wearing an outfit made up of long black stripe of cassette tape and what looks like a white paper plate on her head.

8.00pm

MOU: silver jumpsuit with air stewardess cap (costume change) sparkly silver sequined wide-legged cap sleeved jumpsuit (costume change) purple hat white space blazer with shoulders like Sydney Opera house (costume change) gold sequined bomber jacket (costume change) back to tight white top, before tackling her bass player to the ground, before donning a huge red boxing hood thing, (costume change) spiderweb and feather bolero (and she had nice shoes).

7.45pm

Roisin Murphy takes the stage and with help from her frighteningly tight band, precedes to cut a massive groove of electro into the festival site, Murphy Outfit Update (MOU): Wraparound sci fi shades, skintight white top an odd leather corset.

7.30pm

Highlights so far today have been many and varied. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset played a beautiful set in the Indoor Arena. Despite being nominated for a Mercury Prize they are as charming as ever and even treat the audience to a spot of clog dancing, which was ace. Plus the hauntingly gorgeous Dawn Landes played Bodyguard, which is one of my favorite songs of the past few months.

7.45pm

...interestingly, the minute it stops raining, they play Staying Out For The Summer.

Like i said, its an immutable law of nature.

7pm – Dodgy Weather

So if you remember, in an earlier blog posting, i theorized the weather would improve by the time Dodgy come onstage as "its an immutable law of nature, God and all humankind that it never rains during Staying Out For The Summer."

Well, proof (if proof be needed) that i don't know what I'm talking about, as the weather's been lovely since lunchtime, but the minute the newly reunited Dodgy take the stage, it starts chucking it down.

Hey ho. Anyway, in summary, In A Room, Grassman and Good Enough sound pretty summery, and despite the rain, the umbrella touting crowd are happily singing along, Britpopped out of their minds.

And more news for Dodgy fans, as the band told us they're playing on recording a new EP and sticking it out. Tenir la première page!

Laura Marling will be smashing up her dressing room if her sandwiches don't have the corners cut off

5pm

As soon as Danny & The Champions Of The World started playing, the rain stopped. It was almost as if their zealous power folk thrust the clouds away. They were also joined by a huge 7ft furry creature with horns, as you can see in the gallery which resembled a massive hairy egg shaking a pair of maracas. D&TCOTW are a supergroup including Romeo from Magic Numbers plus members of Goldrush and Grand Drive, and they raised the spirit of the whole event. Job done.

Other things occurring include Dengue Fever, who're described as mixing "funky brass, surf psychedelia and lounge jazz" - to be honest, it's all a little much, but the bass player has the biggest beard I've ever seen. He makes Scroobius Pip look like Duncan Goodhew. And that alone makes the whole thing bearable. Or should that be beardable?

We've also had our first "there were so many people there, that you couldn't get near the tent" moment. In this case, it was the comedy tent and the act on was Robin Ince, who went down a storm. He's actually playing twice today, like Phil Collins at Live Aid... Only not rubbish.

In addition, I just interviewed Matt from Dodgy and Henry Rollins back to back. Very weird. Two more different people I have never met. Both lovely though. I told Henry he was dressed like a girl, flicked his ears and asked him outside for a fight.

Not really.

1pm.

So we're back in the swing of things now and the bands have started to play.

Admittedly my optimism for the weather hasn't been rewarded as yet, as it's tipping it down. But no matter. One of the nice things about this festival is that the Leicester De Montfort Hall is actually onsite, so there's a whole indoors stage line up happening if the weather gets a little too wet for you.

It's here that I see local band Maybeshewill who make a massive driving rock racket. Bit like early Muse. Oddly though none of them seem to be singing. Maybe I've missed the point (maybe they're instumentmental?) but for the ten minutes I watch them, there are no vocals. Odd. I wander over to the Rising Set to see New York Alcoholic Anxiety Attack, who wear their guitars a bit too high for my liking - there's even bass solo there somewhere too. Troublesome.

On the main stage, local favourites The Chairmen open proceedings with some energeitic Arctic-esque indie and go down very well with the crowd (though their intro music seems to go on longer than their set) and as we speak another local mob Jersey Budd are cracking out some old school Americana. What Sprinsgteen is to The Hold Steady, The Hold Steady are to Jersey Budd. Not bad though, but it does prompt the question, is there a band in New Jersey called Thurmaston Speckled Hen?

11.30am

The sun rises, and bleary eyes open to peer out of tent flaps to witness what - sadly - a rather damp scene as the clouds have burst and it's raining rather heavily here in Leicester.

Now this isn't too distressing as a) it always rains at some point during every festival b) last night's headliners were amazing (Supergrass - storming, Howling Bells - hypnotic, The Count & Sinden - technical problems at the off, but managed to wrestle a rave from the jaws of defeat) c) the weather is s'posed to be improving after midday. d) Dodgy are playing later and its an immutable law of nature, God and all humankind that it never rains during Staying Out For The Summer.

So all in all we're not too concerned.

Friday 10.45pm

Before they came onstage, the compare introduced them as one of the bands "That have Summer Sundae written all over them" and by the end of their set Supergrass illustrate the point exactly. The good natured atmosphere and general goodtime vibe of the audience perfectly matches the band's sense of fun and love of big sing-a-long tunes. Starting off gently, the set builds as the night draws in, new songs of Diamond Hoo Ha (including highlights of a balls-out Rebel In You and a surprisingly tender Ghost Of A Friend) are peppered with classic back catalogue tracks.

But it isn't until a rabble-rousing Richard III that things start to really kick right off. The three-piece line up of old are now nepotistically supplemented by keyboardist Rob Coombes and guitarist Charlie Coombes, and the evening hurtles towards a finale of Movin, a cover of the old Police track Next To You, and the always welcome Pumpin On Your Stereo and Caught By The Fuzz before the band leave the stage to huge applause.

Seemingly happy to run over their allotted time, they return for an encore of Sun Hits The Sky followed by two I Should Coco-era crowd pleasers Strange Ones and Mansize Rooster. The crowd goes nuts, the band grin like loons, drumsticks are thrown into the air, plectrums are chucked into the audince and everyone wanders - dazed - back to their campfires. Job done.

Day one over! Bring on day two!

8pm

Now we all assumed that The Coral would just be playing an acoustic set. We assumed this as, on all the posters, it said 'The Coral - Acoustic Set'. Now there's nothing wrong with that, especially with a band like The Coral. but one couldn't help wishing they'd play with all the proverbial whistles and associated bells. However, they've just started their set and lo and behold, it's a full band set.

And they sound awesome. A little like that television advert said, you don't know how many Coral songs you know till they start playing them. Admitted singer James Skelly doesn't spend too much time chatting to the crowd, but the vibes are so upbeat, the audience so happy and the instantly recognisable songs so... well, instantly recognisable, that no one cares.

Supergrass have also arrived onsite and we managed to catch up with Danny, Gaz and Micky (something of a coup) to talk about their life in festivals, and you'll be able to hear the whole of that interview on The Music Week on Sunday from 1pm.

Shameless self promotion, shameless.

7pm

The way the stages are scheduled here means that when there's a band on the (very loud) main stage, there's no one on playing anywhere else. Conversely, when the main stage is clear, all manner of other stuff goes on.

This is a positive as I can see ex-Delgado Emma Pollock (a tad fey, but beautifully phrased folkish tunes), Errors (live funky rock electronica, and not half as disagreeable as the music you imagine when someone says 'live funky rock electronica') and The Mae Shi (lanky American guys playing what can only be describes as a musical version of an episode of My Name Is Earl played by RATM roadies).

Sadly though it also means there's nowhere to go when Royworld start playing. On record, their high sheen smoothrock sounds inoffensive enough, but live they appear soulless, overtly polished and a little pre-programmed. It's like listening to Faithless play ELO covers. Which can't be good for anyone.

However, Scotland's King Creosote bring humour, charm and a handful of beautifully diverse tracks to the event. They're the aural equivalent of being wrapped in your favourite patchwork quilt, and they provide a fitting accompaniment as day slowly starts to turn to night.

Eco-friendly festival

The many and varied differences between SSW and the majority of other festivals are becoming more clear the longer I wander about. It's probably fair to say that I've never been to a festival with more 'green' eco-friendly aspects.

Most predominately the number of recycling bins per punter ratio is massive. Not just just your usual 'cans', 'plastic' and 'glass', but there's also 'food', 'paper', 'cardboard', 'napkins and plates', 'composting' and something that's just referred to as 'general waste'. Spookily the chemical toilets are spotless. Coincidence?

5pm

It's all kicking off by this point as Fight Like Apes play the main stage. Despite twisting his ankle "ghost hunting in a Scottish castle at midnight" keyboardist Pocket secures his reputation as "musician most likely to attack a bandmember" leaping all over the shop swinging his equipment about like it's some kind of medieval weapon.

6 Music Hub Tent - Noah and the Whale

The 6 Music Hub tent has seen no small amount of action too. Adam Buxton granted the audience a rare treat with a live acoustic performance of early Bowie rarity Bomber and (of course) the Adam & Joe Festival song.

Following that Noah & The Whale played a two song set to a happily sun-kissed crowd who whistled along to their genuine, actual, proper top ten hit single Five Years Time. The band also promised that their show at The Roundhouse in London on Monday (which coincides with the release of their album) will include no less than eleven musicians, including a full-on horn section and string quartet.

They also discussed conducting their UK tour in a gold plated private jet. One sniff of success and a once humble nu-folk outfit mutate into Led Zeppelin (next thing you know Laura Marling will be smashing up her dressing room if her sandwiches don't have the corners cut off).

Poetry readings

Alongside all the usual musical type stuff, SSW also includes the de rigeur comedy, alternative remedy, massage and mung bean enema stall, as well as a dedicated spoken word tent. As much as the phrase, "Next will be the first poem I ever wrote...." sends a spasm of fear through every fibre of my being, Andy Craven Griffiths delivered a rather rousing take on the Gill Scott Heron classic, with his poem Your Television Will Not Be Revolutionised.

On a similar theme, Henry Rollins will be growling and glowering at the audience on Saturday with what will no doubt be a typically 'intense' selection of poetry and raconteuring (is that a word?).

3.00pm

Right, we're on. This year's Summer Sundae Weekender has officially started. While other 'boutique' festivals have suffered this year, SSW (as it shall now be known - like SXSW without the X) seems to have gone from strength.

It's now in its eighth year, which is pretty impressive when you consider that over twenty similarly sized festivals have been cancelled this year.

The weather is what can only be described as changeable. Overcast and cold, then warm and sunny, then hot and raining, then cold and sunny, then muggy and bright, and so on, and so forth.

Local band The Heroes

But the site looks great, and the first few hundred people have taken up their positions on the grassy hill in front of the main stage to see the very first band on, The Heroes - a local band who won a BBC Leicester competition to start proceedings.

Notably they play furious indie guitar racket with the tightest trousers I've ever seen. Members of the audience actually seen to wince, and shed a tear when the singer attempts a scissor kick.

Matt Everitt

In The City plans

2008-08-10T07:45:00.001-07:00

Tony Wilson's partner Yvette Livesey reveals the preparations for this year
10 August 2008 - One year after Tony Wilson passed away from cancer at the age of 57, one of his pet projects In The City, is preparing for another year.

In The City was founded by Tony Wilson and Yvette Livesey in 1992. It aims to bring together 'the brightest and best in the business' to debate the present and plot the future of the music industry.

The event also lays claim to the biggest city-based music festival in Europe, In The City Live, as the bands and fans take to the streets.

Regarded by many in the global music community as one of the premier new music events worldwide, ITC has helped launch the careers of Oasis, Radiohead,Suede, Elastica, Coldplay, The Darkness, Doves, Foo Fighters, Elbow, the Stereophonics, Muse, Orson and many more.

Without Tony, Yvette still intends to carry on the event and has the support of most of the industry: "I went to all the majors and to all the indie companies and everyone was brilliant. Everyone has really helped me pull things together this year. We wanted to make it much more consumer facing, the thing that Tony in particular wanted."

He touched so many people's lives in so many different areas - Yvette Livesey

"We never really marketed In The City to either the industry or the public," she explained. "It was always a case of if you knew about it then you knew about it. In The City has to grow and has to change if it's going to survive."

And how will they expand the event? Yvette let us in on the plans: "One thing I am going to do is bolt on a festival. We already have In The City Unsigned, but we are going to expand that and grow and become much more all encompassing. The opening night is going to be a club night by Eat Your Own Ears, with Tricky and Simian Mobile Disco. We've got a new bands night with the NME, a showcase from Drowned In Sound, Heavenly 18th birthday party, Fierce Panda are doing a night, there are loads of special events."

A year after Tony Wilson's death, Yvette is still overcome by the tributes, she remembers the day he died: "I think it was quite astonishing actually, the day that Tony died the city council rang me up and they said, 'We've never had this kind of response to anyone who has ever died in the city before. It's unpredendented.' They couldn't get over it."

Yvette also says that there was something about Tony Wilson that unified the city of Manchester: "I think Tony was very special in the sense that all the people who knew him, people had grown up with him watching Granada televsion or they had become part of the music industry in the city. He touched so many people's lives in so many different areas. He was always around. He was one of those forces, he was such a strong force that people never expect to go away. I think it was such a shock that he was such a huge personality and he wasn't there anymore."

In The City runs from 5-7 October.

Ruth Barnes

Tony Wilson 1 year on

2008-08-10T05:45:00.001-07:00

Musicians pay tribute on anniversary
10 August 2008 - It's exactly one year since music mogul and Factory Records boss Tony Wilson passed away from cancer, aged 57.

Norman Cook remembers

To remember the anniversary, we have been asking musicians about his influence on them. DJ and producer Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, shared one particular memory with us: "Bumping into him in the street in London, he just gave me a bit of a hug and goes 'Dear boy!'

And I said, 'You remembered me from the last time we met?' He said, 'Of course I do'. I said, 'Do you remember last time we met you named all the records I've made?', and he said, 'Of course I do, dear boy!'" Cook laughed as he continued: "He was a founder, you know, post punk he was a founder of what we do now. And that transition from me being a punk rocker to being into dance music, he was kind of right there in the middle of it."

Ida Maria salutes

The television journalist-turned entrepreneur was a huge figure in the Manchester music scene over some 20 years. Wilson was famous for launching the Factory record label, the infamous Hacienda nightclub, and the signing, in his own blood, of Joy Division, New Order and the Happy Mondays.

No one else liked The Happy Mondays when they were trying to get signed - Andy Pettitt, Shortwave Set

Better When You're Naked songwriter Ida Maria says Tony has been a huge inspiration for her, not least with his unconventional way of running a record label: "I love everything he has been involved in. I once wanted to do my own label like that with signing the contract in blood and just... I don't know. I love Tony Wilson and everything he has done, Martin Hannett, Joy Divison, a fantastic explosion in music."

His priorities were in making records

Shortwave Set frontman Andy Pettitt says it was Tony Wilson's openness that made him such a well loved icon: "Well when I look at people in the music business or musicians, I always look at their motives. Some people's motives are really transparent and it's often not appealing. But I think with Tony Wilson, his motives were just like... he just wanted to get some great records out, if other people like it then fine. Fortunately for him, those records are still classics.

"His priorities were in making records," he continued, "Great records by great bands he believed in. He didn’t surround himself with a tribe of A&R men, he knew what he liked even if no one else liked it. No one else liked The Happy Mondays when they were trying to get signed but they were a great band and he stuck his neck out."

Ruth Barnes

Sister Ray could be saved

2008-08-08T13:45:00.001-07:00

Possible new hope to save indie record store.
08 August 2008 - One of the UK's wholly independent record shops, which is under threat of closure after going into administration, now says it could be saved.

The owners of the iconic Sister Ray, in London's West End, have told 6 Music news they've had a steady stream of interest from people who could keep the shop in the business of selling records. Phil Barton co-owns Sister Ray.

"I think we've got a two or three week window at the moment to find somebody or to find a company that is interested and then after that, I don't think you'll see much of Sister Ray after that."

What went wrong?

Phil says Sister Ray went under because of a number of factors that happened at the same time.

Things not being great in the music business, its been a quite summer for new releases, not that much great material has been produced, plus the stores rent is exceptionally high because its in the heart of London's West end.

But the thing that's getting the biggest blame is the fact that the shop isn't seeing anyone between the ages of '14 and 30' come in to buy hard copy music.

"That's the problem. We aren't having a new generation of music buyers in the same way we all as music buyers used to be. That's the way people choose to consume their music these days, its not for me to judge them, its just the way it is."
'"As far as record shops and record companies are concerned its very difficult for them to make money.'"
Phil Barton, co-owner of Sister Ray

The Plan B

The worry is things may not work out, and the administrators may not find someone or a company to take over the shop, let alone find someone or a company who is willing to take over the shop and continue to sell music.

"We do have creditors so the stock will have to be sold. But it will be a terrible day. Not only for the West End, not only for music, but for all our customers all around the country because we've got hundreds and hundreds of mail order customers up and down the country who won't be able to use us in future."

Other casualties

This isn't the first independent record shop to feel the pinch. It could follow in the footsteps of Music Zone, MVC, Fopp (which has since reopened under new ownership), Disque and Reckless Records.

Sister Ray is the last surviving non-specialist inidie music outlet in London's Soho.

The shop is still trading at the moment, but Phil doesn't know how long that will go on for.

"The music industry has a real problem at the moment. I don't know how its going to find itself out of this problem."

Chi Chi Izundu

Last ever Police

2008-08-08T05:45:00.001-07:00

The fat lady sings as Sting and Co perform their last show in New York
08 August 2008 - After 14 months, The Police played the final date of their massive comeback tour at Madison Square Gardens last night (7 August).

The show was a benefit gig to raise funds for two New York public television stations, WLIW-21 and Thirteen/WNET.

Sting explained it should be a fitting way to end the reunion: “I think it’s important that things have an ending. This was never meant to be forever and nothing is. So, this is the end and it’s a happy ending.”

After four songs, the 57 year-old star thanked his band mates for the following: “Your musicianship, your companionship, your friendship and your understanding.”

"The real triumph of this tour is that we haven't strangled each other. Not to say it hasn't crossed my mind — or Andy's or Stewart's,” he said.

Cream’s Sunshine Of Your Love was the opener, and a cover of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Purple Haze also made it onto the set list.

The band roped in the help of 24 uniformed members of the police department for their hit, Message in a Bottle.
"The real triumph of this tour is that we haven't strangled each other. Not to say it hasn't crossed my mind — or Andy's or Stewart's."
Sting

Critics have said his voice is still in good shape and at 57 years-old he still knows how to put on a good show.

And the set included Can't Stand Losing You, So Lonely, Next to You, Every Breath You Take, Roxanne and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - during which three of Sting’s children came onstage and danced behind him.

Before the encore a camera filmed Sting backstage having his beard shaved off by a troop of attractive women.

After this, he came out to sing Roxanne, with remnants of shaving cream still on his face – a female fan said that she, “didn’t recognise him.”

To highlight that this really is the end for the band they had fun with the old adage; “It’s not over ‘till the fat lady sings,” by ending the show with a roadie dressed as a fat opera singer lip-synching.

As they closed the 150th show of the mammoth tour, the trio left the stage to Porky Pig’s well known tune, “That’s all folks.”

Georgie Rogers

Enemy in USA

2008-08-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

Frontman speaks exclusively about making their US debut
07 August 2008 - The trio will be going ahead with their first-ever gig in LA's Troubadour on 7 Aug.

And Tom Clarke speaks exclusively from across the pond about trying to crack America.

They’ve gone back to playing small 200-500 people venue’s in Boston and LA, which is quite a difference to their last stadium gigs in the UK, back in April.

The Enemy shot to fame with their 2007 debut We’ll Live And Die In These Towns and were soon playing sold out homecoming gigs at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, to 16,000 people.

Lollapalooza

They kicked off the American tour at Lollapalooza festival, where the frontman said they played to approximately 2,000 people.

It was touch and go for a time as Clarke told 6 Music, they turned up late after a driver went awol and didn’t turn up.

“We were s******g ourselves about how to get to the festival, so we ended up getting a cab and got there late.”

This meant that they didn’t get to see much of the festival: “We didn’t get a chance to see any other bands, then played, and then we were late for all our press so had to do that. It was a bit of a hectic day but well worth it.”

He said the good reaction from the crowd was unexpected: “A hell of a lot of people knew the words which is always a good sign. It caught me off guard a bit, I wasn’t really expecting the reaction we got.”

They’ve had their fair share of hiccups with Clarke slicing off the end of his finger during his Chicago set at the weekend, but it hasn’t put him off.

He soldiered on through the set despite his injury, missing one gig in Montreal last night (6 August) upon Doctors’ advice.

Whilst touring America, the frontman said they’ve not had much time to see the sights, in LA especially.

But Tom said: “Hopefully, when we get to San Francisco and New York, there’s a bit less press and we can actually go and see the places - but we’ve come out here with the opinion that if anyone’s clued up enough that they want to interview us, then we’ll make time to speak to them.

“I’ve got a massive amount of respect for the fans and the journalists, anyone who’s on the ball enough to know that we’re out here – fair play to them.”
"We’re talking about some quite deep set British social economic issues and stuff like that and I didn’t know how well it’d translate to Americans."
Tom Clarke

Nervous of taking on America

Clarke admitted to being apprehensive about leaving the UK and testing their music out on foreign pastures.

He said: “We’re starting again over in the States and it’s exciting to do, to get back into the real venues, where you’ve got people right in front of your face, they’re the best ones.”

The singer was unsure as to how well people would relate to their lyrics, which are somewhat England-centric.

“I couldn’t really see how people would understand what we’re singing about. We’re talking about some quite deep set British social economic issues and stuff like that and I didn’t know how well it’d translate to Americans,” Clarke said.

However, since he's been out there, he said he's seen more similarities in the two countries than he had anticipated.

“The longer I spend out here, the more I realise the parallels of our economy,” the vocalist explained. “The patterns are almost identical in terms of the mortgage crash and the price of fuel going up. Just talking to cabbies, I’ve been really surprised how much England and America have in common.”

Clarke explained how seeing America has inspired the Coventry lads: “It’s massively inspiring coming to the other side of the world, huge places, massive places. When we’re flying into Chicago, I don’t know how many times you could fit England in Lake Michigan. We were like, 'that’s not a lake, it’s a sea'.”

And he said meeting fans over there is even better: “Speaking to someone in any other country is always a massive inspiration.”

Georgie Rogers

Monkey album

2008-08-07T03:45:00.001-07:00

Albarn says don't treat their tangent, the Opera album, with prejudice
07 August 2008 - Monkey: Journey To The West is out on 18 August and the former Blur frontman has admitted to the BBC that making it has been a labour of love.

The opera opened at the Royal Opera House last month and the album, which he worked on with Jamie Hewlett, is out in a few weeks (18 August).

Speaking to the BBC, Damon said their recent project is something people will just have to get their heads around.

He explained: “It has taken up like three years of my life. Making the record came out of having done lots of demos when I started to put the Opera together, and on stage you can’t get that electronic sound - so I’ve really tried to make what I think is a cool sounding record, with a lot of mad music. And yes, it is all in Mandarin.”

Damon says his creative relationship with his Gorillaz other-half Jamie Hewlett is as good as ever, and people need to listen to the Monkey record without prejudice.

“As soon as he gets his images with the music something really happens and what I would say about this record is, ‘yes it’s in Mandarin and it doesn’t have that immediacy maybe that Gorillaz has, but it is made by the two of us and we’ve just sort of gone off on a bit of a tangent’,” said Albarn.
"Yes it’s in Mandarin and it doesn’t have that immediacy maybe of Gorillaz, but it is made by the two of us."
Damon Albarn

Conducting research

Hewlett and Albarn went travelling around China extensively before attempting to make this record.

“We didn’t agree to even start the project until we’d been there twice,” Albarn said. “We got a chance to travel round mad parts of southern China where really at that point four years ago not many Westerners had gone.

“China’s opening up at such a massive rate but you have to understand how big the place is. There’s like a hundred different ethnic groups in China.”

Whilst travelling there, Albarn said they had some bizarre experiences - under the watchful eye of the government.

He told the BBC: “Everyone in these mountain villages were there in costume ready with ghost wine which is this lethal drink everyone in China drinks - and they’d be playing music and we’d get thrown into that, and there’d be a schedule for two hours and we’d get drunk and not know where we are, and we’d get almost pushed back into the little van, and then we’d go down one mountain and up another and then we’d be out of it again.”

Touring with the Opera

The Opera, directed by Chen Shi-Zheng, was premiered at the Manchester International Festival last summer - and features a series of animations by Hewlett.

Albarn was pleased with the fact that Monkey: Journey To The West was performed at London's Royal Opera House in July, because he thought it was a good way of getting young people interested in opera.

“I think we got a lot of younger people into Covent Garden and that has to be a good thing because, you know, it’s not trying to compete with Piccini or Mozart at all,” he said.

The pair have also contributed to BBC Sport’s coverage for this year’s Beijing Olympics.

Monkey and his friends will be the faces of our coverage, with music composed by Albarn and the animation done by Hewlett.

Georgie Rogers

Hawkins exclusive

2008-08-06T03:45:00.001-07:00

Justin unveils his new project Hot Leg and looks back on The Darkness
06 August 2008 - The Darkness’ former frontman Justin Hawkins makes his live return at a gig at London’s Proud Galleries tonight (6 August).

Hawkins quit the Darkness in 2006 after a much publicised battle with substance abuse, but now he’s back with his new band, Hot Leg.

Post Darkness

Hawkins told 6 Music that he left The Darkness to give himself a chance to recover from his battle with alcohol and drug addiction.

He said: “I left for lost of different reasons. Obviously the ones that were to do with my recovery were fairly well publicised at the time. I think, by and large, there were creative differences as well.”

So, with newfound time on his hands, Hawkins said he got into tennis and dealt with the come down from his former lifestyle.

He said: “I needed to do that, just in terms of the booze stuff, it was pretty important to do that anyway. If you’re gonna give your recovery a fighting chance then you really have to put it first until you’re stronger.”

As to whether it feels strange to be back in the public eye after all this time, Hawkins said: “Yeah, I mean I don’t think the eye is as public as it used to be, this is much more low key.”
"The drummer’s amazing, the bass player’s amazing, the guitarist is phenomenal. I think it will just be an intense night of man rock."
Justin Hawkins

His new band

And it seems the genesis of his band name is already a mystery.

When 6 Music asked him how it sprang to existence, Hawkins responded: “I think it’s because when I originally conceived the name I saw it as a leg for an L, so it was like a name with a built in logo type, and I never realised it was nuclear reactor.”

And he’s fond of the new name and project: “I liked the fact that it was singular as well, much more focussed – which I think musically is the difference between this and my previous band, much more single minded in its pursuit of man rock.”

As for what people should expect from the first Hot Leg tour, which sees them play four dates in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow from 6-9 August, Hawkins said: “The drummer’s amazing, the bass player’s amazing, the guitarist is phenomenal and me. I think it will just be an intense night of man rock.”

For this project Hawkins has taken control, setting up Barbeque Rock Records, of which he is Managing Director and head of A & R.

He jokingly told us they’ve just signed a new record label, for the impressive amount of 100 million dollars. Before laughingly saying: “It’s a tax maneuver, it’s just paper.”

Looking back on The Darkness days

The singer said he's not at all worried about being forever associated with his former band.

“I spent 6 years of my life in The Darkness. It’s not the sort of thing you can turn around and pretend didn’t happen and I’m actually quite proud of the work that we did – not all of the work we did.

“When I think of what we achieved in a year, we went from opening Glastonbury to headlining Reading and I don’t know if many people can say that really.”

Georgie Rogers

Keane on album

2008-08-05T05:45:00.001-07:00

The band speak on the new record and Tom’s 2006 rehab spell
05 August 2008 - Following the surprise release of their single, Spiralling on 4 August, Keane have told 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq about their 3rd album, taking a break and going off the rails.

Having a break

Frontman Tom Chaplin explained why they needed time out after album number 2.

He said: “By the time we’d finished touring with Under The Iron Sea, I think we thought we need to take a break this time, allow ourselves to chill out and make space and not let music completely and utterly rule our lives.”

He went on to say that the break helped them prepare properly for their forthcoming record, Perfect Symmetry.

During their time apart songwriter and pianist Tim Rice-Oxley got writing, as Tom explained: “He came up with a batch of songs which we liked, and then he came up with another batch of songs which we thought were just unbelievable - and I suppose that was the point which we felt inspired to get back in the studio and start recording again.”
"I think it was an accumulative thing - the mania of what happened with Hopes and Fears."
Tom Chaplin

Back in the studio

Explaining to Lamacq how the band knuckled down to writing and recording again, Tom said: “We took the train to Berlin and we got underway.

“It was an incredibly experience, just the three of us in this place all together for the first time for a long period of time, and just using whatever sounds and instruments, and anything we could find.”

Frontman’s rehab spell

Tom notoriously went off the rails in 2006, when they rescheduled a North American tour.

It culminated in him spending a brief time in rehab for drug and alcohol addiction.

He said it was down to a number of factors and the knock-on effect of a quick rise to success: “I don’t know what it was, I think it was an accumulative thing - the mania of what happened with Hopes and Fears and not really being prepared for everything.”

Tom also said that Under The Iron Sea mirrored the band’s traumas of that period.

“It was a very dark record and I suppose it was a record really about the rumblings that were going on between the three of us – and our best way of articulating ourselves has probably always been through our music,” he said.

The new album

According to Tom, Keane’s new contribution, Perfect Symmetry , which is out on 13 October signals a change of direction in their sound.

“A lot of people will be surprised to hear some of the influences and where these songs have come from,” he told 6 Music. “But I think we wanted to get out of our comfort zone.

“I think there’s a lot of bands who end up writing six or seven records through their careers and they basically don’t move anywhere and I think for us, our goal at the start was to always be experimental.”

And they took their cue from one of the biggest bands of all time.

Tom spoke about their inspiration: “The first band who we were all into together was The Beatles. You look at a band there, who over the years went from writing love songs for the masses, to changing the face of music and popular culture.”

“Those are lofty ambitions but we wanted to try and emulate that in some kinda way. With this record, at this stage, we really feel we’ve pushed ourselves and gone out of our comfort zone as much as we can.”

Check out their first taster here.

Georgie Rogers

Noah - Marling's split

2008-08-04T07:45:00.001-07:00

Both acts speak on the reason they had to part with each other's projects
04 August 2008 - Noah and the Whale's new single Five Years Time, featuring Mercury nominated Laura Marling is in the shops today (4 Aug).

The single has already been a hit on downloads alone and is currently sitting at no. 10 up from 14 in the top 100 singles chart.

Laura Marling – who’s album was produced by the Noah And The Whale frontman Charlie Fink – also appears in the single’s video.

But she actually called it day with Noah and the Whale when they played a final gig at the Great Escape festival in Brighton in May.

6 Music caught up with both acts to find out about the moment they went their separate ways.

Laura Marling on parting ways

The Reading-based songstress explained: “It was really sad, I almost burst into tears on stage which is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done.

“It feels like we’ve all gone through it together and now we have to go our separate ways. Oh, it’s so weird.”

But she is predicting great things for singer Charlie Fink – with whom she was romantically involved - and the band.

“They’re gonna do brilliantly, he’s an absolute genius and so are the band. The reason we had a final gig was because we got to just put a stop to it.

“They’ll get someone else, I can’t just come back whenever I can make it and kick someone out of the band,” she said.
"They’re gonna do brilliantly, he’s an absolute genius and so are the band."
Laura Marling

Charlie Fink on making the break

Noah And The Whale’s debut album Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down is out on 11 August and vocalist Fink told 6 Music about Laura’s involvement with the band.

He said: “For the last year, she’s definitely been a member of Noah And The Whale. She sang on the whole album, and she’s toured with us and she’s done as many gigs as the rest of the band - but obviously because she’s got her own project, from now on it’s gonna be difficult to sustain both.”

Laura released her stunning album Alas I Cannot Swim back in February and has been going from strength to strength, with a heap of rave festival reviews and her deserved Mercury nomination.

Producer Fink told 6 Music it's time to go their separate ways and make the break.

“Although we’re both so heavily involved with each other’s projects I do feel really part of what she’s doing now,” he said, “but at the same time I feel we both have to make the projects separate.

“They have to feel independent because I think it’s very dangerous when bands get closely lumped together.”

However, he didn’t rule out future collaborations with his former flame, saying: “We may end up working together again, we might not,” explaining, “I mean, we may end up working together in a few years or something but I’m not sure. We both wanna have that identity of being independent.”

See below for Noah And The Whale’s forthcoming tour dates:

4 Aug: 6pm instore at Banquet Records London
5 Aug: Instore at Rough Trade East, London
8 Aug: Summer Sundae
9 Aug: Field Day Festival (around 1pm)
11 Aug: London Roundhouse - album launch
12 August: Instore signing at Zavvi, Oxford Street (6pm)
16/17 August: V Festival
13 September: End Of The Road Festival
13 September: Zodiac, Oxford
20 October: The Duchess, York
21/October: The Cockpit, Leeds
22 October: Fat Sams, Dundee
24 October: Stereo, Glasgow
25 October: Academy 3, Manchester
27 October: Whelans, Dublin
28 October: The Limelight, Belfast
29 October: MTV Liverpool Music Week @ Bumper, Liverpool
31 October: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
1 November: Phoenix, Exeter
2 November: Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
3 November: Waterfront, Norwich
4 November: Koko, London
6 November: Concorde 2, Brighton
7 November: Kasbah, Coventry
8 November: Thekla, Bristol
9 November: Junction, Cambridge
10 November: Glee Club, Birmingham
11 November: Leadmill, Sheffield
12 November: The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth

Georgie Rogers

Abba are No. 1

2008-08-04T03:45:00.001-07:00

Swedish supergroup make chart history
04 August 2008 - The four most recognisable faces in pop music have made UK chart history, with the return of their greatest hits album, Gold, to number one.

Abba first released Gold - The Greatest Hits in 1992, making it the oldest album ever to reach number one.

Figures released by the Official Charts Company this weekend revealed it is the fourth biggest-selling album of all time in the UK, and one of the top 40 worldwide with sales topping 26 million.

This is the fifth time that the album has topped the UK chart, and the second time that Abba have claimed a number one selling album in the last few weeks. The soundtrack to the Abba-inspired film Mamma Mia! took the top spot in July.

As a result Coldplay's Viva la Vida has been knocked back a place to number two.

Meanwhile in the UK singles chart, Pamela Anderson's ex Kid Rock took the top spot with All Summer Long, ending rapper Dizzee Rascal's four-week reign.

Ruth Barnes

The Big Chill Day 3

2008-08-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

Our reporter's blog with the latest from the Big Chill festival.
03 August 2008 - Today is the last day of a festival which has flown by.

Something I’ve loved at this festival is the amount of great covers the artists have been doing. I’ve already mentioned Lykke Li – others include the DJ Trentmoller, who whipped out his remix of White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. Fink covered The Model by Kraftwerk, Hot Ape Brass Band played Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing and I’ve just seen Norman Jay open his set with a reggae, dub style, saxophone heavy version of the Pink Panther. It was the perfect way to start the day.

I can’t get enough of how lovely it is to see such a variety of ages in harmony. There is no aggression here from anyone. You feel so safe here. There's also lots of people dressed up as all sorts. Yesterday I saw a Scooby Doo, a dad dressed as Banana man, a troop of leopard print, fluorescent yellow catsuits, some bears - and I’ve been loving the huge variety of random wigs and men in bizarre dresses.

I’m signing off now to go and watch some more music. I know Orchestra Baoab are playing, and Asian Dub Foundation - which I might check out and a bit later a bit of Joe Goddard from Hot Chip playing Hip Hop would go down well. This is all, of course gearing up for Leonard Cohen. Not sure if I'm going to stay for David Holmes even though I’m crazy about the songs from his new album that we’ve been playing on 6 Music - but I’m going to need to exit sharpish and head back to London town for a night of blissful sleep in a bed before normal life resumes.

Will touch base later with news of Sunday’s antics.

Georgie Rogers

The Big Chill Day 1

2008-08-03T05:45:00.001-07:00

Our reporter's blog with the latest from the Big Chill festival.
01 August 2008 - Our reporter Georgie Rogers has donned her wellies and waterproof gear and headed to the Big Chill festival near Hereford. She reports back with the latest from the site:

I finally arrived at The Big Chill at about 9.30pm, after a heap of traffic when leaving the big smoke, and was greeted by a spot of drizzle - but I found the 35,OOO strong crowd here in very high spirits already.

The rain shortly ceased, I didn’t even bother trying to find my friends’ campsite in the darkness so decided a night’s sleep in the car was the likely outcome and set off to hook up with my chums.

Set in the stunning grounds of Eastnor Castle, the site really is breathtaking. It is set along a lake which when lit up at night looks magical. Creatively it is a feast for the eyes, especially at night when everything comes alive.

There is so much to do here, the Victorian fun fair looks like a real treat which I am planning on checking out later on. Apparently there are traditionally dressed women wearing beards! There’s kids all over the place practicing their circus tricks, painting workshops and all sorts of activities to keep everyone entertained.

The atmosphere is great, whilst wandering the first night it has struck me that everyone here is really letting their hair down and going wild, which is something I hadn’t anticipated with it being called The Big Chill. I was very much mistaken, the chill aspect of the festival is just as strong as its counterpart – the party! It’s a really manageable size and even though the ages range from babies to 60 year olds, for the younger generation – it still remains one big party.

A leather shredded dress with this strange, beige oval mask hiding her face

On arrival I caught most of the former Moloko singer Roisin Murphy’s set on the main stage which was incredible. She’s got such stage presence and with several costume changes, she came alive on the stage.

One of the most interesting was, what I can only describe as - a leather shredded dress with this strange, beige oval mask hiding her face. She was working the stage and the title track from her second album Overpowered was a definite crowd pleaser. I was very impressed.

After this I went and watched The Orb, another great set. The mixture of retro with psychedelic visuals was mesmerising. The set was live and so they had a drummer, bassist on stage and I was blown away when they played a dubstep version of Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World. It went down a treat with the Big Chillers here.

Later on I caught some of Daedelus, a DJ who was playing the Club Tent which fulfilled my desire to have a boogie but tiredness soon set in so I wandered back to the car, wound the seat right back as horizontal as it would go, got tucked up in my sleeping bag and was out light a light.

Georgie Rogers

Oasis preview

2008-08-01T07:06:00.001-07:00

The band preview new single - 6 Music wants your thoughts
01 August 2008 - A preview of a new Oasis single has been uploaded to YouTube.

The video montage of their hits, teamed with footage of the Gallagher brothers' mammoth gigs, culminates in a short clip of their new single called The Shock Of The Lightning.

The song is set to be released on 29 September, ahead of the band's seventh studio album Dig Out Your Soul , which is out on 6 October.

The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Oasis' single goes to radio in Shaun's show at 8:15am on Friday 15 August.

Have your say - watch it here - and tell us what you think of it by posting a comment below.

Georgie Rogers

Dangermouse sorted

2008-08-01T03:06:00.001-07:00

The Shortwave Set have confirmed Dangermouse for their third album
01 August 2008 - The Shortwave Set have confirmed they will be working with super producer Dangermouse again on their 3rd album.

The Gnarls Barkley man added his magic touch to their current album Replica Sun Machine , and the band were so pleased with the finished product they've lined him up for the next one too.

Dangermouse initially approached them after hearing and liking their first album, The Debt Collection – they soon provided support for Gnarls Barkley.

When asked of the impact working with the respected producer has had on the way their second album was received, The Shortwave Set’s frontman Andy, responded: “People are curious about how a band like us, not the obvious band, would immediately get a phone call from a big American record producer - and I think it has definitely had an impact on the way people have regarded us.”

In terms of the next, the band aim to have the record written by the end of the Autumn and are aiming to record it over winter.

Although, as always - it depends on Dangermouse's busy schedule.

Frontman Andy explained: “He’s is a busy man, and to be honest we haven’t sat down and completely nailed down any scheduling on it. It’s still a bit early to do that, but it was the same last time, he was working on x, y, z. But he never takes holidays.”

Dangermouse may always be moving onto new projects - working with the likes of Beck and Martina Topley-Bird as well as his own successful project Gnarls Barkley; but despite his hectic diary, Andy says it was Dangermouse’s idea they team up again.

He said: “Dangermouse mentioned it before we did about doing another record, because I think he had a lot of fun making our album and this was obviously really great to hear - that he’d had fun more than anything else, and that he was proud of it.”
"Dangermouse mentioned it before we did about doing another record, because I think he had a lot of fun making our album."
The Shortwave Set's frontman

Plans for the 3rd

About their current album, Replica Sun Machine , Andy said: “It’s quite elliptical this record, quite bleak. A lot of the meanings are kind of hidden and there’s a dream like, surreal quality to some of the lyrical aspects of the record.”

As for their next contribution, the singer said they've already decided they want record number 3 to be much more "direct".

“We really wanna make a much more direct record, lyrically and musically, I think just to counterpoint this one a little bit,” he said.

The new single

Their forthcoming single Now Till ‘69 comes out on 4 August.

“It comes from a dream about a fruitless chase and then it recycled itself into a song about eras in time,” Andy said, explaining the story of the song.

He revisited the album’s theme as a whole: “The whole album is based around themes of time, about how the past, present and the future sometimes merge into one - and how there’s an inability to recognise important moments when you’re in them. They only become significant later when you look at them as a past event.”

The singer also said there are references to popular culture matters and the cyclical nature of how we bring back past trends and moments, into the present.

He said: “This year 1969 will be the big year to revive, and next year it will be 1977, and the next it’ll be 1981 - and so there’s that sense of trying to reconnect with important moments in time both on a personal level and also on a cultural level.

“It’s sad that in your own life you don’t realise what a beautiful moment something is until it’s long gone - you don’t actually enjoy and treasure it.”

In terms of the sound of the song, Andy said: “There’s a bit of melancholic sentiment to the song even though it’s quite an upbeat number – we just try to disguise it with a jolly tune.”

Georgie Rogers

Hawley and Christie

2008-07-31T05:06:00.001-07:00

Richard speaks on his new Sheffield based project with Tony Christie
31 July 2008 - Sheffield has been churning out quality musicians for decades and some of the city's favourites are being brought together by Richard Hawley.

They will contribute to the new Tony Christie album which Hawley is producing called Made in Sheffield .

Sheffield United

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music, Hawley told us how he was brought on board: "Tony basically approached me a while back. He liked a song of mine called Coles Corner. He liked the sound of it and wanted to make some music like it. So I suggested we did an album of Sheffield songwriters."

The record is an all Sheffield affair and features as yet unheard songs written by Jarvis Cocker, and covers by the Arctic Monkeys and The Human League.

Jarvis Onboard

Hawley said it was exciting to hear songs by these artists recorded in a completely new way: "We've done a version of the only ones who know by the Arctic Monkeys which is quite radically different from their version.

"Jarvis has written a song as well. It's quite an eclectic bunch of writers but we’ve got really excited about hearing songs done in a really different context and just hearing how exciting Tony's voice still is. He's an amazing singer."

He told us how he rounded up this star studded cast: I've actually spoken to each of the artists personally and asked their permission just so they'd be enthusiastic about it. And everyone I've spoken to seems to be mad for it and are really excited about hearing their own music in a completely different context."

Coles Corner Make-Over

Even one of his own songs is getting a make-over. Something he wasn't so sure about at first: "He [Tony] wanted to do a version of Coles Corner and I felt a bit uncomfortable about it at first but we did it and it sounds ok. There's a song that me and Jarvis co-wrote years and years ago called Born To Cry that’s a monster actually. But I'm not going to give it all away."

Not everyone writing and performing on the record is well known and Hawley said it was a good chance to give undiscovered local talent some exposure.

"Some of the writers are very obscure and they've never had the breaks they deserve," he said. "So, it's an honour to put them forward. I was just aware that there was a lot more to Sheffield than means the eye and a lot of songwriters from Sheffield who'd never got a break. So doing an album of all Sheffield artists just seemed to anchor the album and give it a focus."
"Tony basically appraoched me a while back. He liked a song of mine called Coles Corner."
Richard Hawley

Hawley has always been a fan of Christie and he reckons this is an important album for the Amarillo singer.

He said: "I think this record is like a legacy album for Tony as well. Because we all know that Tony is a legend. He's more well known for doing the Peter Kay charity record but I just wanted to re-set the balance and set the record straight. He's an artist that needs to be thought about really seriously."

And as for the title, he explained: "Just so many of my mates had 'Made In Sheffield' tattooed on the back of their necks when they were at school. So I thought it seemed appropriate. In honour of this record, I might get a tattoo saying 'Made In Sheffield' on the back of my neck."

New material

In between touring and producing for Christie, Richard Hawley has also been finding time to write more of his own songs.

When we asked him if he'd be going back in the studio soon, he said he's having a break and then added: "September or October I'm going to start another record."

Hawley's got plenty of new material but it might not all make the final cut: "It’s the same as always. I've got loads of stuff written but as soon as we start recording I'll probably bin it all off and write new stuff. It's not that I'm not enthusiastic about the stuff I've written its just that I like things to be super fresh."

Elizabeth Alker

Drummond's project

2008-07-31T03:06:00.001-07:00

Ever controversial singer/author still at war with the music industry
31 July 2008 - Ex-KLF star and musical revolutionary Bill Drummond releases his latest book, 17 , today (31 July) - about how he thinks recorded music should be made a thing of the past.

As someone who once burnt one million pounds, fired a machine gun (full of blanks) into a crowd and dumped a dead sheep at a Brit Awards aftershow, Drummond is no stranger to bold and controversial statements.

Drummond’s controversial behaviour started with his stadium rave duo The KLF, as he and his cohort Jimi Cauty mixed punk shock-terrorism with late 80’s acid house.

Before they retired in 1992 they deleted their entire back catalogue, saying they’d never release again until world peace was declared.

His new book documents his latest project Derby 17 - which involves a one-off live performance by groups of 17 diverse people, who record a choral piece of music, listen back to it and then instantly delete it.

The book also includes autobiographical elements, something that was cathartic for him to write, as he said: “I used this book to say everything I’ve ever wanted to say about music, you know? I felt I wanted to get it all out of my system.”

The South Africa-born and Scotland raised singer/songwriter/producer/writer explained how a turning point in his musical career was first listening to Strawberry Fields by The Beatles - because it opened his mind to a whole new music world.

But more recently, he cut up his ancient 45 of the song, and he told 6 Music of how he wanted to go even further.

“What I wanted to do then was completely rid the world of Strawberry Fields forever actually completely take it so none of us could ever, ever hear it again,” Drummond said. “Now I know that’s impossible but I just love the concept that to hear it you have to somehow build it up from your imagination or memory.”
"What I wanted to do then was completely rid the world of Strawberry Fields forever so none of us could ever, ever hear it again."
Bill Drummond

Disillusioned with new music

Telling 6 Music about the moment he decided to forsake CDs, Drummond explained that it happened while he was out shopping.

“I was in Oxford Street, the flagship HMV record shop there,” he said. “I was gonna go in, I didn’t know what I was gonna get but I wanted to get a CD or two and I just see it, aisle upon aisle, rack upon rack and I knew whatever I got once I got it home - it wouldn’t be what I wanted.

After he decided recorded music was over Drummond gave his entire record collection to Oxfam, and vowed never to listen to a CD again.

He said he finds all current recorded music a big disappointment: “I’ve never understood it, why a bunch of lads form a band just to sound like another band, it just doesn’t compute with me.

“I’ve always thought you’ve gotta be taking a risk and if you know what you’re doing, you’re obviously going in the wrong direction.”

He concluded: “It wouldn’t open another door in my head that I hadn’t been into before.”

This 17 project has been going on for about 4 years around Europe and a bit in the UK - but its most ambitious moment yet is the Derby 17 project, which culminates in August.

Georgie Rogers

The Coral exclusive

2008-07-30T05:06:00.001-07:00

Frontman speaks on new singles collection and Bill’s departure from the band
30 July 2008 - The Coral played to a small crowds at London’s Coliseum Theatre last night (29 July), home of the English National Opera.

6 Music caught up with the vocalist and guitarist James Skelly beforehand, who says it's great playing such an interesting venue, but is also a bit strange.

“I’ve never played an all seated place before but I suppose it's different, he said, “We’ve played stadiums in Cardiff, and then we played to 250 in Birmingham in a little club the other night - there’s pros and cons to both of it.”

As for whose idea was it to book them into the unique venue, Skelly held their manager responsible.

Skelly said: “He just said there’s this venue and he just thought it’d be good to get the songs across in the acoustic way – well, there is a bit of electric guitar in it – but to try and get the songs across in that way would be good for us.”

He said it keeps the band on their toes: “We needed to do something different, we’ve been playing Academy’s and that for about 8 years now, so it’s good to have a change.”

Skelly reckons it's important to keep things acoustic sometimes, and explained why: “You can strip it down to its bare minimum and it has still got that charm as a song, it’s not just tricks.”

Their August 2007 album Roots and Echoes was critically acclaimed, which pleased Kelly, as he said: “It did get really good reviews. You always look back and think, ‘shoulda done that, woulda done that’, but I’m proud of all the albums we’ve done.”
"It was kinda like making two albums with your hands ties behind your back in a way. It wasn’t his fault but we had to finish it without him."
James Skelly

Looking back

As for the singer’s favourite album in their back catalogue, he said their 2002 self-titled debut holds a special place for him.

“It’s always gonna be your first one, it took about 20 years to write it. Dunno whether it’s the best album but it was the most important, probably got the most people into us and it sold the most,” Skelly told 6 Music.

And as for their most difficult albums to make, he said the last two The Invisible Invasion and Roots and Echoes were the most testing: “It was kinda like making two albums with your hands tied behind your back in a way.”

Half way through recording their guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones left the band.

Skelly said: “It wasn’t his fault but we had to finish it without him and your head’s everywhere. It was a bit of a shock and the next time he came back, but everyone knew it wasn’t right and we had to make the best of it.

However, despite some lows, the Merseyside rockers' frontman said he’s found the process of making their newest album much easier.

Singles collection and documentary

The Coral release a singles collection on 15 September. The frontman said it will be teamed with another disc with 10 unreleased tracks, “live stuff” and demos from when they first started in 1996.

They’ve consistently had chart success with 8 Top 40 singles and 4 Top 5 albums.

Turning to why they decided to compile this collection, Skelly explained: “Our guitarist left so we took a bit of time out, but you lose your confidence when you take time out. We had the last two albums cut short, did one tour and then that was it, it was over.

“So, we need to get a bit of momentum really, and remind people how good we are - get a platform for the next album to go out on. It’s a good way to put a full stop on, it’s a new band now.”

With almost 12 years and a fair share of experience behind them, we asked Skelly if the band go about things differently now.

He responded: “Now, we approach things the way we used to, when you’re a group of mates playing music. I think it became like being in a band for a bit and I didn’t like being in a band that much to be honest.”

The band also aiming to release a documentary for fans at some point, which Skelly said has been shot since they were 16 years old – and has provided amusement when they’ve watched the footage back,.

James Skelly on Arctic Monkeys

Alex Turner and Co. have formerly said that The Coral have been a great influence on them.

As to whether he can hear The Coral’s influence in the Monkeys' music, Skelly said: “It’s not for me to say, they’re a good group but if someone says that and likes you, then it’s good. It’s what you do it for.”

Georgie Rogers

Phil Spector trial

2008-07-29T13:06:00.001-07:00

His lawyers are arguing for a simple charge of murder or acquittal
29 July 2008 - It’s the first pre-trial hearing of Phil Spector’s 2 ^nd trial today (29 July) and the Defence are arguing that the jury shouldn't be allowed to consider a lesser charge of manslaughter.

The music producer is accused of shooting an actress, Lana Clarkson, who was found dead in his Alhambra, Californian home in 2003. He claims that she committed suicide.

Spector's first trial in 2007 ended with a hung jury – after Judge Larry Paul Fidler refused to allow his jury to consider a charge of involuntary manslaughter when it struggled to make a decision.

This has now become part of Spector’s Defence’s position, as they argue that this is as good as an acquittal for the manslaughter charge - and therefore due to the rules of double jeopardy, the producer can’t face the same counts again.

Prosecutors have hit back at the latter claiming it, "flies in the face of logic and law".

They stated: "The court never impliedly or otherwise factually acquitted (the) defendant of voluntary or involuntary manslaughter."
"It’s the central focus of his existence right now, defending himself against these charges."
Phil Spector's lawyer

We hear from Spector’s lawyer

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music, Dennis Riordan - who is representing Spector - explained their position: “One of the issues is whether he should be tried on the issue of manslaughter charges as opposed to the murder charge because of double jeopardy issues.

“It’s a little complicated, it doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t face the murder charge but it would mean that it would be murder or an acquittal as opposed to the Jury considering intermediate charges.”

The Defence are also arguing against some of the woman that have testified against Mr Spector - who in the 1st trial claimed they experienced violence from him.

Riordan says their testimony is irrelevant: “Yes, there is a motion to exclude testimony of uncharged and unrelated events.”

As previously reported

Meanwhile Prosecutors from Los Angeles District Attorney’s office in the murder retrial are arguing that jurors should be able to hear testimonies presented by forensic experts, on the blood evidence and the autopsy of the actress.

Phil Spector’s state

And as for how the producer is coping, Riordan said the case, and clearing his name, is currently his prime focus.

“I’m sure for anyone facing a murder charge, it’s a most grave and serious situation. He’s no different from anyone else in that regard. It’s the central focus of his existence right now, defending himself against these charges,” he explained.

The actual retrial is scheduled for the end of September in Los Angeles.

Georgie Rogers

Winehouse fame

2008-07-29T05:06:00.001-07:00

Singer's manager says drug use is symptom of her failure to cope with fame
27 July 2008 - Amy Winehouse's manager, Raye Cosbert, has told a Sunday paper that he thinks Amy's drug use is down to her inability to cope with fame.

He also said that her high profile combined with her sociable nature has led to conflict with the media. "Amy is a public person," he told the Sunday Times "She's not like your usual reclusive star. She likes ordinary people. She likes playing pool with the bin men in her local. If she could take the Tube everywhere she would. She feels deeply uncomfortable in the world of VIP celebrity."

He lamented: "It's unfortunate that you can't teach somebody how to deal with fame."
Apparently Amy envies the drummer of the Arctic Monkeys - despite the band’s spectacular success, his place at the back of the stage affords him anonymity.
The article then goes on to quote Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse, who recalled her reaction to her Somerset House gig in London last summer - apparently, she was baffled by the size of the audience: “She said to me, 'Dad, what are all these people doing here?' She didn't get it. She didn't understand that she was the Number 1 recording star in the world and that everyone wanted to see her."

According to the article, Amy also wishes she could have a lower public profile, and has spoken to friends about how much she envies the drummer of the Arctic Monkeys - despite the band’s spectacular success, his place at the back of the stage affords him anonymity.

Victoria Hannaford

Amy's fame

2008-07-28T05:06:00.001-07:00

Singer's manager says drug use is symptom of her failure to cope with fame
27 July 2008 - Amy Winehouse's manager, Raye Cosbert, has told a Sunday paper that he thinks Amy's drug use is down to her inability to cope with fame.

He also said that her high profile combined with her sociable nature has led to conflict with the media. "Amy is a public person," he told the Sunday Times "She's not like your usual reclusive star. She likes ordinary people. She likes playing pool with the bin men in her local. If she could take the Tube everywhere she would. She feels deeply uncomfortable in the world of VIP celebrity."

He lamented: "It's unfortunate that you can't teach somebody how to deal with fame."
Apparently Amy envies the drummer of the Arctic Monkeys - despite the band’s spectacular success, his place at the back of the stage affords him anonymity.
The article then goes on to quote Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse, who recalled her reaction to her Somerset House gig in London last summer - apparently, she was baffled by the size of the audience: “She said to me, 'Dad, what are all these people doing here?' She didn't get it. She didn't understand that she was the Number 1 recording star in the world and that everyone wanted to see her."

According to the article, Amy also wishes she could have a lower public profile, and has spoken to friends about how much she envies the drummer of the Arctic Monkeys - despite the band’s spectacular success, his place at the back of the stage affords him anonymity.

Victoria Hannaford