Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Pete Lawrie releases a new single, ‘Fell Into The River’, on the 31st January 2011 through Island Records. It is taken from the debut album, ‘A Little Brighter’ released on the 4th April 2011. The obvious pressure of being a hotly-tipped young artist for the coming year is something that Pete Lawrie hasn’t even considered. Confident and assured, the young Welshman soaks up the pressure and volleys it back in the shape of another soulful pop lament. The success of Pete’s limited edition EP at the tail-end of 2010, with lead-track ‘In The End’ being playlisted at national radio, and press acclaim suggesting that the next twelve months were Pete’s for the taking, has primed the now-London-resident for an exciting 2011. It’s not just these early recordings that have raised his profile so significantly, but a hefty touring schedule which started out at 2010’s festivals (Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, Radio 1’s One Big Weekend, Hop Farm, Belladrum, and Cardiff’s SWN), and has seen Pete perform ...

Taio Cruz who has been dominating the UK and US singles charts with his two No.1 smashes “ Break Your Heart ” and “Dynamite”, joins forces with the undisputed first lady of pop Kylie Minogue on his new single “HIGHER”. The single will be released through 4th & Broadway Records on February 14th. Taio and Kylie recently met at a party in Paris hosted by legendary designer Roberto Cavalli. Both being huge fans of each other’s work, they started talking about doing a song together. Taio had been working on a brand new song called “Higher” and played it to Kylie on his iPhone. Within a matter of minutes they had booked a studio and recorded the track the very next day. This soon to be smash, as well as “ Break Your Heart ” and “Dynamite”, are featured on Taio’s new greatest hits album ”The Rokstarr Collection ”. Following Taio’s staggering US success and due to the fact that his debut album “Departure” was never released Stateside, Universal combined the biggest hits from “Departure”, ...

Following on from the phenomenon that is ‘Game Over’ Tinchy Stryder is gearing up for the release of his new single, double A-side, ‘Gangsta?’ and ‘Let It Rain’ scheduled for release on 24th January 2011. When Tinchy Stryder went into the studio with his friends to record ‘Game Over’ he knew it would be big. The album track, featuring a who’s who in the UK urban scene: Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk, Devlin, Giggs, Example and Professor Green, exploded with its exclusive first play on Tim Westwood’s Radio 1 Extra show, Zane Lowe followed crowning it Record of the Week on Radio 1 and the video amassed over a million views in under a week. Tinchy Stryder is now set for the next release, the double whammy, ‘Gangsta?/Let It Rain’. ‘Gangsta?’ showcases a harder edge to Stryder’s lyrical prowess and sound. Produced by Tinchy’s long term production partners TMS, the track plays on the difference between what it means to be ‘a gangsta’ and to be ‘gangster’. In contrast, uplifting ‘Let it Rain’, produ...

Devlin, Dagenham’s 21-year-old lyrical prodigy, whose universally feted debut album “bud, sweat & beers” has established him as one of the breakthrough artists of 2010, has announced 5 UK dates for the new year. The dates follow the release of Devlin’s new Island single “Let It Go” produced by and featuring Labrinth, on January 31st. As these dates are announced, Devlin’s debut album has been classified silver in the UK for sales in excess of 60,000. The full list of dates is as follows : Thursday Feb 24th Manchester Club Academy Friday February 25th Glasgow 02 ABC2 Sunday February 27th Birmingham HMV Institute (The Library) Monday February 28th Norwich Waterfront Tuesday March 1st London 02 Academy Islington Tickets will be available to pre-order exclusively from Devlin’s website http://www.officialdevlin.com from 9.30am on Friday December 17th and will go on general sale from Monday December 20th and will be available from http://www.livenation.co.uk/ & http://w...

Taken from Lennox’s acclaimed festive album ‘A Christmas Cornucopia’ available now through Island Records. Annie Lennox, one of the most successful, iconic and talented artists of the late 20th century releases the single ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ just in time for Christmas on 20th December. ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ is accompanied by a glorious video, which is a beautiful and magical illustration of the song and the Dickensian feel that is synonymous with it. Annie Lennox oversaw the creative of the video, using the iconic Angel outfit worn in the Eurythmics unforgettable ‘There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) video from 1985. The video is available here to view: http://www.muzu.tv/annielennoxl4u0gryycp/god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen-music-video/820132 One of the many highlights of the brand new festival album, ‘A Christmas Cornucopia’, this powerful rendition of the mid 18th Century traditional Christmas classic will fill our hearts and minds with joyful festive spir...

Grammy award winning, 15 million album selling, singer-songwriter Macy Gray, one of the most unique and original artists to emerge in recent times, has been announced as the special guest on Simply Red’s Farewell tour in December. In addition, for the duration of the tour, an exclusive version of ‘The Sellout’, featuring a brand new live recording of ‘I Try’, recorded Live from Leicester Square earlier this year, will be released on iTunes for £4.99. The full list of dates are as follows: 8th Dec London 02 Arena 9th Dec Nottingham Arena 10th Dec Glasgow SECC 12th Dec Manchester MEN Arena 14th Dec Birmingham NIA 15th Dec Birmingham NIA 16th Dec Sheffield Arena 18th Dec London 02 Arena 19th Dec London 02 Arena Macy and full band will performing material from her recently released snd critically acclaimed album “The Sellout” as well as many of her best-loved classics from her illustrious career. The Sellout features 12 new songs and was co-written and executive produced by ...

‘Let It Go’ brings together two of the most potent forces in UK urban music to create an explosive future music single. Devlin is Dagenham’s 21-year-old lyrical prodigy. A lightening quick flow peppered with one-liners, cathartic street stories and fevered imagery. His fêted debut ‘bud, sweat & beers’ peaked at #5 in the iTunes Chart on its release in November 2010. ‘Let It Go’ is his follow up single to the Top 20 hit ‘Runaway’. With a UK headline tour planned for February and over 18 million Devlin related views on Youtube, the country is discovering the grime scene’s most thoughtful spitter one line, one video view at a time. Producer and vocalist on this single is 21-year-old Labrinth. In the brave new world where UK hip hop talent is receiving the attention it deserves, Labrinth has emerged as a star producer. He is the man behind Tinie Tempah’s #1 single ‘Pass Out’. ‘Let It Go’ documents a relationship in turbulence. Labrinth weaves together hyperactive guitar parts, interna...

On December 13th Mona release their thunderous second single ‘Trouble On The Way’. The Nashville based band who recently signed to Island Records in the UK will make the track available through their own imprint ZionNoiz Recordings. ‘Trouble On The Way’ will be released as a digital download. A limited edition 7-inch with the b-side ‘Brick Shoes’ will also be made available through Rough Trade and other Independent Stores. ‘Trouble On The Way’ is a statement of intent from a band who looking to take 2011 by storm. The track is an unrelenting, fearless, out and out vintage rock song. The single is the follow up to Mona’s unyielding debut single ‘Listen To Your Love’ which was released in early September. Since the band’s debut release they have played their first London shows, to rave reviews, and have announced a UK tour in December. Mona will also returned to the capital in November to make their exclusive first UK t.v appearance in the last of the current series of Later with Jools ...

Pearl Jam release ‘Live on Ten Legs’, a classic-packed new live compilation album, January 17th on Island Records . Kicking off the band’s twentieth anniversary year and ensuing celebrations in style, the album features 18 captivating versions of Pearl Jam’s landmark tracks. ‘Live on Ten Legs’ was recorded over the course of the band’s 2003-2010 world tours by engineer John Burton. Newly remixed by longtime Pearl Jam engineer Brett Eliason and remastered, the material on the record spans Pearl Jam’s 60 million selling career. The release follows Pearl Jam's victorious Hyde Park show this summer, which cemented the band’s status as one of the best live acts in the world. Included on the album are live versions of classic songs ‘Jeremy’, ‘Alive’ and ‘Spin The Black Circle’ as well as ‘Just Breathe’ and ‘The Fixer’ from their most recent album, the acclaimed ‘Backspacer’. ‘Live on Ten Legs’ will be available in CD, digital and deluxe versions. The deluxe box set version will include a...

PJ Harvey's eighth studio album ‘ Let England Shake ’ is set to be released on the 14.02.2011 through Island Records . Recorded in a 19th Century church in Dorset with long time collaborator Flood who co-produced the album with PJ Harvey, John Parish and Mick Harvey. ‘ Let England Shake ’ was also mixed by Flood. The album will be supported by a run of sold out live shows early next year, with dates in Brussels, Berlin, Paris, and London’s Troxy on February 27th and 28th. 2011 will also see Harvey return to the festival-stage, with more details to be announced. PJ Harvey will perform with a live band which includes Mick Harvey, John Parish and Jean-Marc Butty.

As The Drums begin their inaugural tour of their homeland in September, they’re delighted to announce they will return to the UK this winter with a headline tour, and release double A-side single featuring live favourite, ‘Me and the Moon’ and ‘Down By The Water’ on December 13th. The single and nearly sold out UK tour, look set to cap a remarkable 12 months for The Drums. Last week the band was nominated for “Best New Act” at the Q Awards 2010, which followed the news the band were voted NME’s “Best New Festival Band” (polling 25% of their readers’ votes) – the latter coming after a succession of thrilling UK festival shows including Glastonbury, Reading/Leeds, T in the Park, Oxegen and their support slot with Kings of Leon at Hyde Park, London. After selling out their first London Forum show almost immediately, a second show has been announced on Wednesday 24th November. UK headline tour dates: Wednesday 24th November - London HMV Forum ** SOLD OUT ** Thursday 25th November - Lon...

With a 14 album box set, 16 albums total, and the entire stream of Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964, iTunes brings you The Beatles. Each album comes with iTunes LP, which features lyrics, photos, and more. The Beatles Box Set includes the band's entire catalog, plus mini-documentary features on each album, and the bands' first performance in the US. DOWNLOAD THE BEATLES NOW

‘Body Talk’ is the third and final album in Robyn’s unique trilogy for 2010. Released on November 29 it will feature 5 of the best tracks from Pt 1 & 2 plus 5 extra brand-spanking new songs from the ridiculously prolific pop star. Releasing music in this way has been an almighty success for Robyn, as she explains: "I’m going to keep mixing up my tours with studio time and am hoping to stick to this new way of releasing music next year. This is the third, last part and completion of the Body Talk album. It was never my goal to break some kind of a world record in how many songs I could release in a year. Although I think it would count as a pretty good attempt, it’s been about the process for me. It’s been very interesting to try and figure out a more organic way of making music. A way that is unbiased and has it’s starting point in what feels logical to me, but also to the listeners. Even though it was never a conceptual idea, but a practical solution to the problem of getting...

Separated for 15 years, Take That and Robbie Williams are back together and releasing what could potentially be the biggest single of Take That's career. The Flood is out now. It is taken from the forthcoming album Progress, which is due out on November 15. 'Progress Live 2011' is billed as a feast for the imagination charting the evolution and the progress of Take That and Robbie Williams through their extraordinary 20-year history. 1 million tickets were sold in a day! iTunes bundled The Flood single and music video for 99p.

Last year The Prince of Grime scored two number one singles, (‘Number 1’and ‘Never Leave You’), released a critically acclaimed chart topping album, (‘Catch 22’), and notched up enough sales to make him the biggest selling British solo male artist of 2009 . He also performed at all the major festivals of the summer, supported Akon on tour, embarked on his own 18 date sold out nationwide headline tour, developed his Star in The Hood merchandise from T-shirts sold on eBay to a fully developed clothing range, and graduate with a degree in Digital Arts and Moving Imagery from The University of East London. This year has seen Tinchy Stryder complete a second sold out headline tour in the UK, open the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, expand his clothing range from online to in store (it is now stocked in over 60 stores nationwide) and start up a Joint Venture 360 music entertainment company with Jay Z (Takeover Roc Nation). All while writing and recording his third album ‘Third Strike’. Followi...

The Drums began their inaugural tour of their homeland in September and are now delighted to announce they will return to the UK this winter with a headline tour, and release double A-sided single featuring live favourite, ‘Me and the Moon’ and ‘Down By The Water’ on December 13th . The single and nearly sold out UK tour, look set to cap a remarkable 12 months for The Drums. Last week the band was nominated for “Best New Act” at the Q Awards 2010, which followed the news the band were voted NME’s “Best New Festival Band” (polling 25% of their readers’ votes) – the latter coming after a succession of thrilling UK festival shows including Glastonbury, Reading/Leeds, T in the Park, Oxegen and their support slot with Kings of Leon at Hyde Park, London. After selling out their first London Forum show almost immediately, a second show has been announced on Wednesday 24th November. UK headline tour dates: Wednesday 24th November - London HMV Forum ** SOLD OUT ** Thursday 25th November...

Fresh from a show stopping performance and fourth award win at the recent MOBOS, urban pop super-group N-Dubz triumphantly return with their new single ‘ Girls ’, released via their new musical home, All Around The World & Island Records on 13th December 2010. ‘Girls’ is the second single from their highly anticipated new album ‘ Love, Live, Life ’ (released November 29th) quickly following their recent Top 10 smash ‘Best Behaviour’. Written by the band and Jim Jonson (Beyonce, Usher. Lil Wayne), ‘Girls’ is a slick celebration of the female form, showcasing edgy beats and tough lyrics reminiscent of early N-Dubz hits. Representing a universal love for women, ‘ Girls ’ features a contagious hook that flows over the band’s trademark electronic synths and gritty urban beats. The N-Dubz furore continues this winter with the release of their third album, ‘Love, Live, Life’. In May 2010, N-Dubz signed a five-album deal with Island Def Jam records in the U.S. Recorded in LA and Miami an...

Jonathan Jeremiah, whose timeless songs and soulful voice have marked him out as a songwriter with a rare talent, previews his highly anticipated 2011 debut album “Solitary Man” with the release on December 13th of his new single “See”. In addition Jonathan was one of the guests, alongside Kings of Leon, M.I.A. and Eric Clapton, on this week’s Later With Jools, which transmitted on BBC2 at 11.50 on Friday November 5th. (performance available on BBC iPlayer). The public will have a chance to hear Jonathan perform this beautiful string-drenched song and other tracks from the new album during his forthcoming residency at London's Borderline. The shows kicked off on October 27th, with further appearances on November 10th, 23rd and December 6th. Jeremiah recently guested with Rumer at her sell-out Bloomsbury Theatre show. Jeremiah was born and raised in London to an Anglo-Indian father and a Tipperary born Irish Catholic mother. From an early age he listened to songs from his parent’s ...

As the third and final album in Robyn’s unique trilogy for 2010 approaches, the exquisite song Indestructible will round off her single releases for the year. Further album details to follow. The acoustic version on Body Talk PT2 was orchestrated by a surging string section and displays Robyn’s ebullient lyrics about the power of love. Once again we witness her innate ability to project utter strength in her lyrics while also wearing her heart proudly on her sleeve. This pulsating full power version takes every ounce of that emotion and wraps it up in another exceptional disco-pop record worthy of any dance-floor or passion-laden sing-a-long. “ I wanna love you like I’ve never been hurt before, I wanna love you like I’m indestructible ” Robyn recently performed Dancing On My Own at the MTV VMA’s in LA with Deadmau5 following her tour of the U.S with Kelis. Currently on tour in Europe, she returned to the UK on October 18th to play her biggest shows to date. And Robyn has just announced...

Nicki Minaj, the first lady of Young Money/Cash Money Records and one of the hottest artists on the planet right now, has her new single “Right Thru Me” released on November 22nd. The track is taken from the 25 year old rap phenomenon’s feverishly anticipated debut album which is also released on November 22nd.  Nicki Minaj’s star has been on the rise since she released her first mixtape, Playtime Is Over, in 2007. The mixtape featured Lil Wayne and the cover showed Nicki posing as a Barbie Doll. A second mixtape “Sucka Free” released a year later, increased the heat around Minaj and was followed in 2009 by mixtape number three “Beam Me Up Scotty”. Shortly thereafter Nicki, aka Harajuku Barbie, aka Nicki Lewinsky, aka Roman Zolanski, aka Ms Step Your Cookies Up, signed to Lil Wayne’s new label Young Money Entertainment and featured heavily on Young Money’s debut album “We Are Young Money” which spawned the massive hit single “Bedrock”. Minaj has also made her name from her many fea...

Earlier this week Take That announced their latest stadium tour – Progress Live 2011. Tickets go on sale Friday 29 October 2010 at 09:00 at Click here to visit Ticketmaster official site UK tour dates . Sunderland Stadium of Light Monday 30 May 2011 City of Manchester Stadium Friday 3 June 2011 | Saturday 4 June 2011 | Sunday 5 June 2011 | Tuesday 7 June 2011 Cardiff Millennium Stadium Tuesday 14 June 2011 Glasgow Hampden Park Wednesday 22 June 2011 | Thursday 23 June 2011 Birmingham Villa Park Monday 27 June 2011 Wembley Stadium Friday 1 July 2011 | Saturday 2 July 2011 | Sunday 3 July 2011 | Tuesday 5 July 2011 FIND TICKETS

To round off yet another exceptional year, Florence will be releasing the mighty single ‘Heavy In Your Arms’ single alongside ‘Between Two Lungs’ – a two disc special edition version of her 4 x platinum selling Brit Award winning debut album ‘Lungs’. ‘Between Two Lungs’ features new cover art, sleeve notes by Florence and exclusive images. Plus a 10 track second disc which as aswell as Heavy In Your Arms, also includes among others, a live recording of brand new song ‘Strangeness & Charm’. The massive collaboration with Dizzee Rascal ‘You Got The Dirtee Love’ and a previously unreleased Yeasayer remix of ‘Dog Days Are Over’ and will also be available on November 15. Florence recently wowed worldwide audiences with her live performance (and victory) at this year’s MTV VMA Awards which saw her album explode in the U.S. Firing up to #2 in the I tunes chart and breaking the top #15 in the Billboard album chart. Back home Florence has just won two Q Awards for Best Female and Best Trac...

CocknBullKid has made a couple of important transitions recently. First, she's changed her name, dropping the pronoun (she's CocknBullKid, not thecocknbullkid). And secondly, she has emerged from a creative cocoon with a suite of bright, breezy and ultra-colourful pop songs that exist at least five giant leaps away from the savvy, autobiographical electro tunes like 'On My Own' that got her a slot on Jools Holland even before she signed to Island/Moshi Records. " The music I made at first was cool, but it was work in progress. There was only so far I could take it. I knew I was capable of more. I wanted to make music that reached people further than E9, or whatever the cool postcode is now ." It's been worth the wait. The 25 year old Hackney resident, aka Anita Blay, is in possession of the most interesting, credible pop record of the year. But you’ll just have to take our word for it until spring 2011 when the full album, ‘Adulthood’ will be released. An...

One of the most successful, iconic and talented artists of the late 20th century is back – and back like you’ve never heard her before. On November 15th 2010, Annie Lennox releases her sixth solo album. A Christmas Cornucopia is a collection of new, inspired interpretations of 11 traditional festive songs, rounded out by a new Lennox composition, Universal Child, available digitally from 12th October. “All the income that I earn from Universal Child will be paid to the Annie Lennox Foundation.” The Annie Lennox Foundation raises money for projects supporting and educating women and children in Africa with HIV/AIDS. “I’ve known these songs, these carols all my life, I’ve sung them since I was little,” says the songwriter and singer of The Holly And The Ivy, Silent Night, The First Noel and other, less-widely-known songs such as Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, and Lullay Lullay. “ They’re just in me. They’re a huge part of my life. So it’s not an arbitrary selection. Those relationships with ...

To round off yet another exceptional year, Florence will be releasing the mighty single ‘Heavy In Your Arms’ on November 15th. Produced by Paul Epworth the track a favourite of recent festival headlining live sets was recorded for the Twilight Eclipse film. Florence comments “ Heavy in your arms I suppose is about the weight of love, and how sometimes it can be a burden between two people, I felt this was a strong theme in the twilight series, is someone being rescued or are they being condemned, and is the love you carry bringing you down. I recorded it with paul one evening, using a lot of strange reversed vocal samples and big hip hop piano, its basically inspired by 90's hip hop, and gospel choirs, like most of my songs.. ” ‘Heavy In your Arms’ will also be available on ‘Between Two Lungs’. A two disc special edition version of her 4 x platinum selling Brit Award winning debut album ‘Lungs’. ‘Between Two Lungs’ will feature new cover art, sleeve notes by Florence and exclusive...

Rapper/actor/CEO, 3 time Grammy winner and all-round superstar Nelly, whose 30 million plus combined album/single sales have established the St. Louis native as one of music’s most bankable and consistent stars, returns in a big way with the release on November 8th of his brand new US smash single “Just A Dream”. Taken from his hotly anticipated forthcoming new album “5.0”, “Just A Dream” entered the US iTunes chart at number 5, has already sold over 1 million copies. “Just a Dream” was produced by Jim Jonsin (Lil Wayne “Lollipop”, T.I. “Whatever You Love”) and Rico Love (Beyonce “Sweet Dreams, Kelly Rowland “Commander”). The new album will feature appearances by Akon, T.I. and Kelly Rowland. With “Just A Dream” Nelly looks to add to his celebrated run of global hit singles from his game-changing debut “Country Grammar,” and “Ride Wit Me” to the Justin Timberlake collaboration “Work It”, the Kelly Rowland duet “Dilemma” and the seven-week at No. 1 “Hot in Herre.” With a catalogue of g...

Global superstar Akon, whose three previous albums have each sold more than half a million copies in the UK, yielding an unbroken string of massive worldwide hit singles, returns with the release on November 22nd of his brand new single “Angel”. Taken from his eagerly awaited dance music inspired album “AKONIC”, “Angel” was produced by Akon & fellow master hit maker David Guetta. Akon is without question one of the greatest hit making forces of all time and is the first solo artist to hold the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 - twice. Over the years he has worked with, produced and featured on a slew of international hits, including those for Michael Jackson, Sir Elton John, Eminem, Gwen Stefani, Whitney Houston, as well as Lady Gaga, who was one of the first signings to Akon’s Kon-live label. Akon has also established himself as a serious business man and entrepreneur who has quickly built an empire that includes a record label, fashion line and ch...

For one night only on Friday 29th October at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple, original ‘dreamboats’, Marty Wilde, Eden Kane and Jet Harris join forces in a spectacular show that will show they really were Born to Rock N Roll! From 1958 to 1961 Marty, Eden and Jet took the charts by storm clocking up well over 200 weeks in the charts in just under four years. The original teen idols will take in 29 towns and cities across the UK performing their own hits and collaborating live on stage for the first time ever. Singer, songwriter, legend Marty Wilde is hailed by many friends as one of the first original British Rock N Roll pioneers. Cliff Richard reminisces “I remember when Marty Wilde, Dicky Pride and I were ‘three cool cats’. I always thought in those days there was actually only one ‘cool cat’ – and that was Marty.” Wilde enjoyed countless hits in the late 50s and early 60s, with thirteen consecutive hit records staying in the charts for a total of 117 weeks including Endless Slee...

At long last it feels like UK rap music is well and truly erupting. Every way you look - from the summit of the charts to the breaking waves of the underground - the UK rap fraternity is seizing control. In between the ricocheting lyrical crossfire one face is emerging as one of 2010's most notorious breaking artists, and that's the angular bone-structure of Dagenham, Essex's very own Devlin. ‘bud, sweat & beers’ is a step change for grime. Socially aware. Spiritually conflicted with a sacred heart and profane mouth. Dark, accurate and artful lyrical sketches of life at social margins. Capacious enough to make reference to Hollywood’s Wesley Snipes, super-bug C-Difficile, Pengi, Nostradamus, Picasso, Tectonic plates and Elvis. It’s an imaginative feast. Lyrical meaning unfolds on meaning. Metaphors come as quickly as the mind can process. The album opens with the thunderous cavalcade of ‘1989’ where heavy-metal guitar stabs provide an urgent, heart-in-mouth backdrop for...

In thrall to uplifting 1970s Disco as much as it is to intricate 1980s electro, ‘In Spirit Golden’ is a shimmering, soaring anthem full of giddy nods to computer game soundtracks and Killers style stadium pop riffs. ‘In Spirit Golden’ will be released one week before I Blame Coco’s debut album, ‘The Constant’ (November 8th). The single will be accompanied by remixes from Arthur Baker,, RacknRuin, Soul Avengerz and DC Breaks, the latter of which has already worked its way onto Radio 1. After a summer packed with festival shows, I Blame Coco will be embarking on her first nationwide headline tour this autumn, during which ‘In Spirit Golden’ will be released. Read More I Blame Coco posts

As arguably the most original, genre-redefining, prodigiously talented and best-selling hip-hop artist of the past decade, Lil Wayne returns with the hugely anticipated release on October 4th of his brand new album “I Am Not A Human Being”. The album has just gone straight in at number 1 on the US iTunes chart and features ten brand new tracks including lead single (US iTunes # 1) “Right Above” which features Wayne’s protégé and hip hop superstar in his own right Drake. Speaking about the new release on his birthday September 27th, Wayne commented “ I want to give a gift on my birthday to my loyal fans who have continued to support me ”. “I Am Not A Human Being” will be released digitally on October 4th in the UK and physically two weeks later on October 18th. The physical release will feature the same ten tracks plus three additional cuts: “YM Banger” feat. Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Tyga, “YM Salute” feat. Lil Twist, Lil Chuckee, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Nicki Minaj and “I Don't Lik...

Twice Grammy Award-nominated Plain White T’s return with a new single, “Rhythm of Love,” out on October 17th, taken from their forthcoming release, “Wonders of the Younger”, released on October 18th. Penned and sung by the Chicago band’s guitarist Tim Lopez, the summery romantic pop single, “Rhythm of Love,” picks up where previous No.2 charting hit “Hey There Delilah” left us swooning two summers ago – #1 song on UK radio for 3 weeks, #1 on iTunes for 2 weeks, UK singles chart Top 10 for 12 weeks. The track, inspired by a bittersweet romance, is in its third week at radio in the US, and has already hit the top 30 on the Hot AC chart – and it looks likely to dominate the airwaves here too. Though the band is leading off with a romantic pop song, Higgenson points out that the group is in a different place than the one that prompted “Hey There Delilah.” An example of the five-piece’s darker, more expansive songs is album track “Welcome to Mystery,” which fans will have already heard as p...

CHECK OUT THE STUNNING VIDEO FOR LAUREN’S NEW SINGLE ‘NOT THE DRINKING’, RELEASED OCTOBER 18TH http://www.youtube.com/laurenpritchardVEVO Lauren also plays the below dates as part of the Island Life New Breed Tour: FRI 01 OCT BIRMINGHAM GLEE CLUB SAT 02 OCT CARDIFF BUFFALO BAR MON 04 OCT BRISTOL COOLER TUES 05 OCT CAMBRIDGE HAYMAKERS WED 06 OCT BRIGHTON AUDIO THUR 07 OCT LEEDS ...

Island Records is proud to announce the launch of a new live initiative; Island Life. Life will provide a platform for the new breed of Island acts. Kicking off the showcases will be a night in East London and a UK-wide tour. On October 8th the Queen of Hoxton will reverberate to the sounds of UK pop’s stellar new pixie Coco Sumner AKA I Blame Coco . Support from Pete Lawrie (more of which below) and this year’s brightest new producer/hitmaker Starsmith. Also on the decks will be the Island Records All Star DJs while our friends at Red Stripe have kindly offered to supply free beer to the first 250 people through the door. The inaugural Island Life UK tour brings together three extraordinary talents. 22-year-old Lauren Pritchard hails from Jackson, Tennessee and has been described by The Sunday Times as ‘wonderful, brooding, strung-out soul’. Produced by Eg White - the man behind Adele’s ‘Chasing Pavements’ - her future is bright. Zimbabwe born, Hackney-raised Tinashé will be bringing...

AMP is back shining its lazer-like attention on the most vibrant new dance music. Annie Mac Presents 2010 collects the biggest tunes she’s been championing on Radio 1 this year into one sub woofer-busting package. From Joy Orbison’s ‘Hyph Mngo’ to Swedish House Mafia’s ‘One’ this mix is going to bring back memories for the Mac faithful that pack out her bleeding edge Presents club nights (responsible for 2010’s sell out parties everywhere from London’s KOKO to Miami’s WMC, Austin’s SXSW, Manchester’s Warehouse Project and all other self respecting international hot spots). The mix flows to some new currents too. The Berlin influenced nocturnal disco-bacchanal of Scissor Sisters ‘Invisible Light’. The resurgent hardcore feel represented by her exclusive Digital Soundboy remix of Magnetic Man’s ‘I Need Air’ or Tensnake’s one man 90s revival with ‘Coma Cat’. As with Annie’s 2009 compilation the mix peaks at the end of CD1 with CD2 drifting down through some softer textures. The Balaeric g...

Kylie Minogue has announced dates for ‘Aphrodite – Les Folies Tour 2011’ Tickets will go on sale for Glasgow SECC, Manchester Evening News Arena, and London O2 Arena on 13th September . More territories will be announced shortly. This tour promises to be an absolute landmark in the career of Kylie Minogue as she intends to create a live spectacular that will surpass even her own previous groundbreaking shows. Kylie has already been working on concepts for the tour and says “ The reaction to ‘Aphrodite’ has been absolutely incredible and has inspired me and my creative team to develop a new show that will take all of us on a euphoric journey of joy, excitement and glamour. I can’t wait to get on the road and see all my fans in 2011 ” As a special thank you to her UK fans, Kylie will ensure that no booking fees will be charged on tickets bought for Aphrodite - Les Folies 2011 UK shows, if purchased from official outlets (see list on Kylie.com ). There will be a one-off transaction fee, c...

The dust has barely had time to settle since the arrival of Body Talk Pt 1, the first instalment of Robyn's ambitious three-part album release plan for this year. Lead single Dancing On My Own, the heartbreaking heir to With Every Heartbeat, went top ten in the UK, while everyone from Pitchfork to the BBC, the Guardian to Stereogum, bestowed effusive praise (and numerous stars) on the album. It's fair to say many are waiting eagerly for part two, and they will not be disappointed. Body Talk Pt 2 offers the clearest example yet of Robyn's pop prowess; 8 songs that crystallize her preoccupation with hypnotic repetition, propulsive beats and infectious hooks, and lyrics which display the kind of unabashed emotional vulnerability that only comes with true self-confidence. Body Talk 2 is further proof that Robyn's understanding and love of pop music is as intrinsic as it is accomplished. Body Talk 2 will be released Sept 13 on Island Records

Multi-talented vocalist, musician and songwriter Tinashé released his new single ‘Saved’ on August 15th. Taken from his self-titled debut album - released on August 23rd – ‘ Saved ’ is a joyous blast of guitar pop so perky it belies its rather weightier subject matter. Written after being accosted by a particularly forthright tramp on London's Oxford Street, its underlying message of defiance and self-belief ("I'll be here until your faith is won!") is deeply personal. " It's a song about trying, and trying, and trying ," explains Tinashé. "This bum tapped me on the shoulder, and said, 'I'm an angel, mate, but don't worry, you'll be saved. You know what thy did to me? They chucked me in the bin!' ” CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER ALBUM "SAVED " (CD )

Going back to school or college then check out Gear4music 's list of of top ten instruments. As well as instruments, they have a huge range of accessories, including gig bags, music stands and tuners. All in stock items ordered before 2pm will be shipped for Next Day Delivery as standard, although customers can choose their own delivery date should they wish. In addition all products come with 14 Day Money Back Guarantee . Many of their products now also have the option of up to a 5 Year Extended Warranty, with up to 45 Days Money Back Guarantee . Top 10 Back to School Offers from Gear4music Electric-ST Guitar, Black, Back to School Pack  RRP £134.95 Our Price £89.95 CLICK TO SHOP Deluxe Round Back Guitar & 15W Amp Pack, Blue RRP £142.55 Our Price £109.95 CLICK TO SHOP Electric G-4 Bass Guitar & Amp Pack, Sunburst RRP £126.00 Our Price £115.00 CLICK TO SHOP Full Size Starter Drum Kit + Beginners Pack, Red  RRP...

Little Fish singer, writer and guitarist Juju says that the band’s recent single ‘Am I Crazy?’ is about “the pain you go through when falling in love” but the title could equally refer to the crazy ride the band have experienced in the last year or so since legendary songwriter/producer Linda Perry heard their demos, flew to the UK to see them play at a pub in Oxford, signed them on the spot and took them out to LA to produce their first album. This has been followed by a hectic touring schedule supporting a who’s who of rock bands including Placebo,Them Crooked Vultures, Hole, Juliette Lewis and, most recently, Blondie. This, plus having three songs on the Rock Band game, a song in the new Hilary Swank movie ‘The Resident’ and a host of great reviews for their live show, as well as Radio 1 play and playlisting on XFM and Kerrang! TV have brought the band to the public’s attention even before the release of this, their first album. The addition of a Hammond player to the Oxford-based...

One of the most eagerly anticipated artists of 2010 is 21-year-old James Devlin. Having released an uncompromisingly gritty opening salvo with Giggs in April (‘Shot Music) the Dagenham MC of Irish extraction returns with a statement of intent for the rest of the year. ‘ Brainwashed ’ is a rain-swept gothic backdrop for Devlin’s wordplay and imagery, like a darkly inked page out of V for Vendetta. A lyrical prodigy that started on pirate radio at age 13, he is unrivalled in the grime scene for the cinematic power of his bars. ‘ My names lodged up in your brain like a blade in an operation’ goes one typically grimey metaphor. Famed for having ‘the biggest vocabulary in grime’, Devlin’s forthcoming album, will bring to mind the richest, most imaginatively detailed storyteller’s albums. Nas is one seminal influence. Bruce Springsteen is another. But that’s to come. This single has the modest intent of brainwashing a nation like a dystopian despot; ‘neurological science will leave your bra...