James Ford Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

Pet Shop Boys have announced an intimate show at London’s Koko next month – find out all the ticket details and information below.The 80s synth pop legends recently announced the details of their new album ‘Nonetheless’, and shared lead single ‘Loneliness’. The album comes out on April 26, with James Ford acting as producer.The band will celebrate the release of the show with a small show at London’s Koko on May 26.

Fontaines D.C. have added more shows to their 2024 ‘Romance’ UK and Ireland tour – find all the details below.The Dublin band will hit the road this November in support of their fourth album ‘Romance’, which is due for release on August 23 via XL Recordings (pre-order/pre-save here).Now, Fontaines D.C.

Fontaines D.C. have announced details of a huge UK and Ireland tour, set to kick off later this year.

Fontaines D.C. have shared their pummelling new single ‘Starburster‘ and announced details of their fourth album ‘ROMANCE’.

Beth Gibbons of Portishead has unveiled a new solo single, ‘Reaching Out’ – listen to the rhythm-driven track below.Last night (April 10), Gibbons shared the new track, taken off her upcoming solo album ‘Lives Outgrown’. ‘Reaching Out’ marks the second track to be shared from the new album, due for release on May 17 via Domino Record Co.

Music icons Pet Shop Boys are to hold an intimate "in conversation" event with fans at an historic Manchester location to celebrate the release of their new album.

Jessie Ware has shared her love for The Last Dinner Party, and revealed her hopes to join forces with the band in the future. Watch our interview above.The moment took place on the red carpet for the BRIT Awards this weekend (March 2), when the pop icon spoke with NME ahead of the ceremony. On the night, Ware was nominated for the Artist of the Year award, and was up against Arlo Parks, Dave, Fred again.., Little Simz, Olivia Dean and RAYE, with the latter ultimately taking home the trophy.During the interview with NME, Ware shared her admiration for other artists nominated that night – in particular, rising British indie band The Last Dinner Party.“I think The Last Dinner Party are really cool.

Pet Shop Boys have covered David Bowie’s ‘All the Young Dudes’ in a performance for BBC Radio 2 – check out the video below. The duo played a session at Maida Vale Studios on Friday (February 23) with the BBC Concert Orchestra for the station, also playing their new single ‘Loneliness’ and their 1988 classic ‘Left to My Own Devices’. The 80s synth pop legends recently announced the details of their new album ‘Nonetheless’, and shared lead single ‘Loneliness’.

Fat Dog have released their latest energetic single ‘All The Same’ and have shared new tour dates in the US.The track marks the band’s second release under their new label, Domino. Co-produced by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Geese, Shame, Blur) and the band’s frontman Joe Love, ‘All The Same’ features a retro beat reminiscent of old 80s-90s video games.

The Last Dinner Party have announced their debut studio album ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’ – you can listen to the new song ‘On Your Side’ below.The much-hyped London band and NME 100 alumni are due to release their first full-length record on February 2, 2024 via Island (pre-order/pre-save here).

Miles Kane of The Last Shadow Puppets and The Jaded Hearts Club has announced a solo electric spring tour in Europe – find details below.The musician released his fifth solo album ‘One Man Band‘ last August. Kane also helped Arctic Monkeys conclude the final night of their world tour as their special guest last week along with James Ford.Now, Kane has announced a fresh run of dates throughout Europe where he will play a solo electric show in the spring. It will see the musician tour eight countries across 26 dates.

The Last Dinner Party made their Later…with Jools Holland debut by playing two songs – watch the videos below.The band played two of the three singles they have so far released, ‘Nothing Matters’ and ‘My Lady of Mercy’, both of which were produced by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Florence + the Machine, Foals).Alongside the band, the episode also featured performances from Johnny Marr, Take That, METTE, Frankie Archer and Skindred.The Last Dinner Party recently completed their UK tour, and they are now preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean and make their way to the US.They will play five gigs there, with stops in New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago. They will then make their way back to Europe as opening support for Hozier on his arena tour.Earlier this month, they also announced details of an “intimate variety show” that they will play at London’s Roundhouse on February 1, 2024, with support from Heartworms.Check out their full tour dates below and visit here for any remaining US tickets.In a five-star review of their live show in London in April, NME wrote: “The Last Dinner Party’s ability to go straight from something as potent and wrenching as slow-burning ballad ‘Mirror’ to hamming up the theatrics of ‘Lady Of Mercy’ is a hugely impressive skill: even this early on in their career, on stage, they prove to be masters of contrast.

Arctic Monkeys concluded the final night of their world tour by bringing out James Ford and Miles Kane as special guests.The moment took place at the band’s gig last night (October 19) at the 3Arena in Dublin, as they played the final night of their global tour, celebrating the release of their latest album, ‘The Car’.Kicking off the show with ‘Sculptures of Anything Goes’ from the latest album, Alex Turner and co.

The Last Dinner Party have shared their third and latest single ‘My Lady Of Mercy’ – check out the video below.The track marks the third single the band have released so far. It sees the band lean toward a darker route, differing from their previous releases ‘Nothing Matters‘ and ‘Sinner’.

Blur‘s Damon Albarn has shared his love for Arctic Monkeys‘ Alex Turner, saying he sings “a lot like him” on the band’s new album.Albarn and his band released new LP ‘The Ballad Of Darren’ this month, their first since 2015’s ‘The Magic Whip’.In a new interview with Musikexpress, Albarn has discussed his admiration for Turner, and how he influenced the Britpop heroes’ new album.Asked what he thinks of Turner, Albarn responded: “I think he’s great, I sing a lot like him on the new album.“You know our producer James Ford?” the frontman added. “He also worked with the Arctic Monkeys, I mentioned that to him.

Blur have announced details of a new special London gig, which will see them perform their new album ‘The Ballad Of Darren’ in full.The band will release the record – their first in eight years – on July 21 via Parlophone. They teamed up with producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz) on the record, while the artwork was shot by celebrated British photographer Martin Parr.‘Blur present: The Ballad Of Darren’ will take place at London’s Eventim Apollo on July 25.

Carly Rae Jepsen has shared her vivacious first single of 2023 titled ‘Shy Boy’. Listen to the track below.‘Shy Boy’ is a dancefloor anthem that features a funky tune, synth melodies and Jepsen’s signature soft and playful voice.

Geese have compiled an exclusive playlist to accompany this week’s NME cover story.The Brooklyn-based rockers feature on The Cover this week (June 12) as we renew our commitment to supporting emerging talent across the globe on a weekly basis. Every week, a rising artist will feature on The Cover, and the full interview with Geese can be read here.To celebrate, Geese have curated a playlist inspired by their “sonic world”, titled ‘Songs To Rip Off’, which features tracks from Bruce Springsteen, Pixies, Electric Light Orchestra and more.

James Ford has said that he “regrets” producing Mumford & Sons’ ‘Wilder Mind’, but that Depeche Mode’s ‘Spirit’ was the “hardest” to make.Speaking to NME, Ford – who counts Arctic Monkeys and Blur among his other credits – was asked which record from his career he has found the hardest to produce.“Well, the one I wish I’d never done was that fucking Mumford record [2015’s ‘Wilder Mind’]!” he replied.“I don’t know why I did that. It paid for my house but it’s the record I regret doing.”Of the hardest record he has made, he added: “The hardest was probably the [2017] Depeche Mode album ‘Spirit’ because everyone was in a horrible place, the mood was strange, people weren’t getting on, and a lot of it felt like marriage guidance counselling to stop the whole thing falling off the rails and the band splitting up.”Despite this, Ford has positive memories of producing Depeche Mode’s most recent album, 2023’s ‘Memento Mori’.

James Ford has revealed that the initial plans for Arctic Monkeys‘ ‘The Car’ would have seen the record be more “outward-facing”.Speaking to NME for our Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?! franchise, Ford shared that the album was supposed to be “bigger and more outward-facing,” but had its direction changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.“The pandemic happened, and [Alex Turner] went into his own bubble, returning with these beautiful, intimate, sad songs. We recorded in this country house in Suffolk.

Blur have spoken about recording their surprise new album ‘The Ballad Of Darren’.The 10-track LP, was announced earlier this week and is the band’s first since 2015’s ‘The Magic Whip‘. It was produced by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Depeche Mode) and recorded at Studio 13 in London and Devon.Speaking in a press conference at Colchester Castle ahead of their gig at the town’s Arts Centre last night (May 19), all four members opened up about the recording process of their ninth studio album.“There were moments of utter joy,” enthused bassist Alex James. “The new song we open with [‘St Charles Square’] I just thought, ‘Oh my God, we’ve pulled it back’.

Blur are coming out with a new album this summer. The Ballad of Darren is out July 21 via Parlophone, and will be the ninth studio project from Damon Albarn and Co.

Thania Garcia Blur will be releasing their first album in eight years, “The Ballad of Darren,” later this summer, the band announced on Thursday morning. The news arrived with an early taste of the 10-song collection, a guitar-driven single titled “The Narcissist.” The album, which will be released on July 21 on Parlophone, follows their last reunion album — 2015’s “The Magic Whip” — and was produced by James Ford, who last worked with Blur’s Damon Albarn for the Gorillaz’s 2018 album “The Now Now.” “This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now,” said Albarn of the new record in a statement. Lead guitarist Graham Coxon added, “The older and madder we get, it becomes more essential that what we play is loaded with the right emotion and intention. Sometimes just a riff doesn’t do the job.”

Blur have announced details of a surprise new album ‘The Ballad Of Darren’ and shared the first single ‘The Narcissist’. Check it out below.The returning Britpop legends first announced their comeback back in November with news of a huge Wembley Stadium show – before going on to reveal a second date at the venue before a run of European festival shows and an intimate UK warm-up tour,  which kicks off in their hometown of Colchester tomorrow (Friday May 19).Now, the band have revealed that the 10-track ‘The Ballad Of Darren’ will arrive on 21 July via Parlophone, and is available for pre-order here.

The Last Dinner Party have shared their highly anticipateddebut single ‘Nothing Matters’. Check it out below.The much-hyped NME 100 stars’ launch single was produced by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Florence and the Machine, Depeche Mode) and draws on frontwoman Abigail Morris’ operatic voice and NSFW honest lyricism.Introducing the single on Instagram, the band wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey so far, and to anyone who is new, welcome, take a seat at the dinner party.

Jessie Ware has released a groovy new video for her latest single ‘Begin Again’ from her upcoming album ‘That! Feels Good!’.‘Begin Again’ was one of the first songs Ware wrote for her album – inspired by her time spent in South America encompassing the heat, sweat and sensuality of Brazil.“’Begin Again’ is where this album started,” said Ware. “On a miserable afternoon during lockdown, James Ford [Arctic Monkeys producer] zoomed Shungudzo and Danny Parker in Los Angeles.

James Ford has recalled his time working with Arctic Monkeys – explaining that he still tries to push the frontman out of his comfort zone.Ford was talking in a new interview when he provided insight into his time in the industry, namely, his time working alongside iconic Sheffield-band, Arctic Monkeys.Working with the indie four-piece since 2007 – when he joined them during the production process for their second album, ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’ – Ford explained how his relationship with the members has developed, and how he consistently pushes frontman Alex Turner to venture into new territory.“I’ve known them so long now. I’ve been working with quite a lot of new bands … But with the Monkeys, it’s a totally different thing where there’s this deep trust that we’ve grown up together,” he told The New Cue.“Me and Alex, our music tastes have grown together, I’ve introduced him and he’s introduced me to so much different music … sometimes that’s good and bad.”He continued: “It’s a funny thing, but I still definitely try and push him as hard as I can.

Royel Otis have shared a new single – listen to the bright and summery ‘Sofa King’ below.Following recent singles ‘I Wanna Dance With You’ and ‘Kool Aid’, the track marks the third preview of the Australian duo’s forthcoming EP ‘Sofa Kings’, which will be released on March 31 via OURNESS.‘Sofa King’ arrives with an accompanying music video, which sees the band – who appeared in the NME 100 2023 – pay homage to their hometown of Sydney, as they perform the song against the backdrop of a coastal cliff.Forming in 2020, Royel Otis released debut EP ‘Campus’ the following year. Their breakout single ‘Oysters In My Pocket’ arrived in 2022, taken from second EP ‘Bar & Grill’.Speaking to NME earlier this year, guitarist Royel Maddell teased the band’s forthcoming debut album, describing how a recent UK trip saw them “speed-dating” producers, hitting the studio with Speedy Wunderground boss Dan Carey and James Ford, Arctic Monkeys’ longtime producer.

Lily Moayeri This week, Depeche Mode’s two remaining members, Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, announced that they will be releasing a new studio album, “Memento Mori,” in the spring and embarking on a brace of tour dates next year. The announcement was made just a few months after the death of co-founding member Andy “Fletch” Fletcher’s death in May, and the pair said the album,  is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life. The tour also will be more intimate and play smaller venues than the ones the group, which first began playing stadiums in the 1980s, traditionally play. The day after the press conference, Gahan Zoomed in from Berlin to give Variety some more insight on what went into the making of Memento Mori, which was produced by James Ford (who also produced the group’s last album, 2017’s “Spirit”) Marta Salogni (Björk, Animal Collective).

Depeche Mode have announced their 15th studio album, ‘Memento Mori’, and detailed a world tour for 2023.During a press conference in Berlin today (October 4), frontman Dave Gahan and main songwriter Martin Gore previewed a piece of music from their upcoming LP, which they’ve been recording in Santa Barbara, California.The pair are due to head to New York following the event to finish working on the James Ford-produced new record.“We’re quite far into it now, the actual recording process,” Gore explained. “We’ve got all of the tracks finished for the album, without them being mixed.”Gahan said that Depeche Mode had begun writing the material “a couple of years back”, before eventually reuniting in the studio this summer.A “memento mori” is an object that’s kept as a reminder of the inevitability of death – a skull, for example.

Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall have announced details of their debut album as The WAEVE – check out new single ‘Can I Call You’ below, and watch our video interview with the duo above.The former Blur guitarist-turned-solo star and the former Pipettes member-turned-Mark Ronson collaborator and singer-songwriter first emerged as a new project back in April with the track ‘Something Pretty‘, before playing a debut London show and appearing at The Great Escape.They’ve now revealed full details of their self-titled debut album, which has been produced by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, Foals) and is due for release in February 2023 via Transgressive Records.To mark the launch of the album Coxon invited NME into his house to interview The WAEVE, where they told us about their collaborative journey since they started work on the record over a year and a half ago.Asked if they’d consider themselves to be a “supergroup”, Dougall replied: “Don’t you need more than two people to be a supergroup? It’s a very strong line-up!”Coxon agreed: “I’m not sure! Those kinds of bands are put together in a different situation. The way we came together was very different.

Arctic Monkeys have shared the lead single from their upcoming album The Car. A video for "There'd Better Be A Mirrorball," directed by frontman Alex Turner, can be seen below.

Arctic Monkeys have released their first new single in four years, There'd Better Be A Mirrorball, to launch their seventh album, The Car. 

Alex Turner has shared the first details on Arctic Monkeys‘ forthcoming seventh album ‘The Car’, revealing that the band have adopted a “louder” sound this time around.As announced today (August 24), the Sheffield group will release the 10-track record on Friday, October 21 via Domino (pre-order here). It was produced by James Ford and recorded at Butley Priory in Suffolk, La Frette in Paris, and RAK Studios in London.The eagerly-awaited full-length project follows on from 2018’s divisive ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’, which featured space-age-inspired lyrics over avant-garde and largely piano-led instrumentals.Speaking in a new interview with the Big Issue, frontman Turner explained: “On this record [‘The Car’], sci-fi is off the table.

Arctic Monkeys have announced their highly-anticipated seventh studio album, ‘The Car’ – find all the details below.The Sheffield band will release the 10-track record on Friday, October 21 via Domino. You can pre-order/pre-save it here.‘The Car’ was produced by James Ford and recorded at Butley Priory in Suffolk, La Frette in Paris, and RAK Studios in London.Per a press release, the record “finds Arctic Monkeys running wild in a new and sumptuous musical landscape and contains some of the richest and most rewarding vocal performances of Alex Turner‘s career”.It’ll feature the new track ‘I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am’, which AM debuted during their show at Zurich Openair festival in Switzerland last night (August 23).Other song titles include ‘There’d Better Be A Mirrorball’, ‘Sculptures Of Anything Goes’, ‘Jet Skis On The Moat’, ‘Body Paint’ and ‘Mr Schwartz’.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making the most out of their trip to New York City. On Friday, the couple paid a visit to P.S.