Alternative Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Lana Del Rey has opened up about the negative reviews and criticism she received during the early days of her career.The artist – who has released several chart-topping albums – spoke candidly about the harsh reviews she got from critics during the start of her time in the industry in a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar.Speaking with the outlet, she looked back particularly at the response to her 2012 debut album ‘Born To Die’, which was described by many publications as being “inauthentic”.“I think in one week, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The New York Post and New York magazine agreed that it was the most ridiculous act that had ever come out,” Del Rey recalled in the discussion (via Music News).“[But] it was 100 per cent authentic,” she added. “It’s just that where I was at the time was malleable in my own life – easy to, like, acquiesce … I kept rereading the idea of somebody who was feigning vulnerability.

The Kills have announced details of a tour across the UK and Europe, set to kick off in 2024. Check out ticket details below.The newly shared run of live shows will see the duo – formed of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince – hit the road in celebration of their latest album ‘God Games’.

The Japanese House has shared a cover of ABBA‘s ‘Super Trouper’ as part of the newly released ‘ITEIAD Sessions’ EP – check it out below.The singer-songwriter – real name Amber Bain – shared the stripped-back cover of the hit song today (November 22) on the six track project, which is an acronym of the artist’s latest album ‘In The End It Always Does’.The EP also features a never-before-heard live version of ‘Boyhood‘ along with previously shared live versions of other tracks from the LP.‘In The End It Always Does’ came out back in June, which NME said in four-star review explores the “cyclical nature of life with a brighter, more organic sound”.It added: “If Bain’s lyrics are poised to pull you one way on ‘In The End It Always Does’, her voice and instrumentals yank you back in the other direction – it’s disorientating, dizzying and utterly intoxicating. If there’s one thing that the second Japanese House album reaffirms – it’s that the artist never surrenders any less than her whole self to the process.”The album also featured MUNA’s Katie Gavin on the track ‘Morning Pages’ along with backing vocals from The 1975’s Matty Healy on ‘Sunshine Baby’.1. ‘Sad to Breathe’2. ‘Touching Yourself’ 3. ‘Sunshine Baby’ 4. ‘Boyhood’5. ‘One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones’6. ‘Super Trouper’Back in June, Bain spoke to NME about her new album and longstanding collaborative relationship with labelmate Healy.

Lana Del Rey has insisted that her voice is “all over” the first version of Taylor Swift’s ‘Snow On The Beach’ after fans claimed they couldn’t hear her on the track.The singer featured on the song from Swift’s 2022 album ‘Midnights’, singing a short portion of the track.However, fans complained that they couldn’t hear Del Rey or distinguish her vocals from Swift’s.When Swift dropped her deluxe edition of ‘Midnights’, it included a new version of ‘Snow On The Beach’ with “more” Del Rey.But Del Rey has remained firm on her subtle role in the original version of the song. “That was actually the song Taylor wanted me to sing on.

Ed Harcourt has announced his new album ‘El Magnifico’ and shared the first single ‘Strange Beauty’.The UK singer-songwriter will release ‘El Magnifico’ on March 29, 2024 via his own imprint, Deathless Recordings. It’s available to pre-order or pre-save here.The accompanying music video for ‘Strange Beauty’, which captures the “classic old feeling of love”, is also out now and serves as the first taster of the full LP.Check out the video below.The music video for ‘Strange Beauty’ was shot in Almeria, southern Spain by Steve Gullick, while Harcourt’s self-produced ‘El Magnifico’ was recorded at his own Wolf Cabin studios. Finishing touches were made alongside producer Dave Izumi Lynch at Eastbourne’s Echo Zoo Studio.Speaking about the new track in a press statement, Harcourt described it as “a song that uses visceral imagery to convey that classic old feeling of love and the immense power it has”.He continued: “I think that even after being a reckless, naive romantic after all these years, I still want to describe how violently mad it can make one feel.

Lana Del Rey has revealed that she threw out her gold Gemini jewellery after discovering that her star sign is actually Cancer.The ‘Video Games’ singer spent much of her life believing that her June 21 birthday made her a Gemini, before realising that she was actually about four hours short.“I lived my life as a Gemini,” Del Rey said in a recent video interview with Harper’s BAZAAR. “It’s insane.

Björk has joined forces with Rosalía to share the environmentally charged new track ‘Oral’. Check it out below.Shared today (November 21), the track marks the first time that the iconic singer has joined forces with Rosalía, and sees the two musicians work together to shed light on the cruelty and negative consequences of open-pen salmon farming in Björk’s native Iceland.Originally, ‘Oral’ was written by Björk over two decades ago, when she developed it between 1997’s ‘Homogenic’ and 2001’s ‘Vespertine’.

Psychedelic Furs and Waitresses saxophonist Mars Williams has died, aged 68.The news was shared by The Chicago Tribune, which reported that the musician died yesterday (November 20) from ampullary cancer. He was diagnosed with the illness just less than one year ago.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Williams famously performed in the Chicago free jazz group NRG Ensemble and with the Waitresses, before going on to join the iconic English rock band Psychedelic Furs in 1983.His initial time as part of the band lasted six years, and he departed the line-up in 1989.

Sleaford Mods have shared their cover of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘West End Girls’, with all profits for the new track set to go towards homeless charity Shelter.The Nottingham duo received the blessing of Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe to release the track – who also decided to remix the cover for an additional new version that will feature on the limited edition single.Sleaford Mods recorded their take of the 1986 classic between tours for their latest album ‘UK GRIM‘.The song – which is accompanied by a music video directed by Ewen Spencer – is available to stream now, ahead of a physical release that will be available to purchase during Sleaford Mods’ current tour and in shops from December 15.Check out the track below.A limited edition, seven-inch vinyl will be sold at the merchandise stand on the duo’s upcoming UK tour dates. A 12-inch edition single, featuring remixes from the Pet Shop Boys, HiFi Sean and Extnnddntwrk, can also be pre-ordered now on the website.“West End Girls is a song that’s very close to my heart, my coming-of-age track in so many ways,” said Sleaford Mods’ Andrew Fearn in a press statement.Jason Williamson added: “I’ve been listening to the Pet Shop Boys’ albums ‘Please’ and ‘Actually’ a lot, the music still fits this landscape so well.

André 3000 has explained why he has stopped rapping, saying that it can now feel “inauthentic” to do so.The OutKast member – real name André Lauren Benjamin – released his debut solo album, ‘New Blue Sun’, today (November 17) after announcing the project earlier this week. Clocking in at 87 minutes, the project consists of minimalist and experimental flute music.Fans were told ahead of the record’s arrival that it would contain “no bars”, beats or vocals. The LP even opens with a track titled ‘I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time’.‘New Blue Sun’ comes 17 years after OutKast’s sixth and final studio effort, 2006’s ‘Idlewild’.

André 3000 has revealed he had to ask Beyoncé’s permission to use her name on a forthcoming song title.The Outkast rapper recently unveiled his first solo album in 17 years, which will reportedly consist of an 87-minute long album of experimental flute music. ‘New Blue Sun’ is set to drop tomorrow (November 17).The album also features a number of rather unusual and long song titles.

Porno For Pyros have announced a farewell tour after a 26-year touring hiatus as well as sharing ‘Agua‘ from their upcoming EP.The band – consisting of Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins and Peter DiStefano – will embark on a 16-city run in February 2024. They will kick off the tour on February 13 at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California and make their way across the US.From there, Porno For Pyros will stop in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York City and more before wrapping up their run on March 10 in Montclair, New Jersey at The Wellmont Theater.Tickets will go on general sale on Friday, November 17 at 10am local time.

Peter Hook & The Light have announced a huge 2024 world tour that will see the band play the ‘Substance’ albums from Joy Division and New Order in full – find dates and ticket information below.The New Order and Joy Division co-founder will be touring with his band from May next year, spanning New Zealand, Australia, North America, the UK and Ireland.The tour will open at the Opera House in Wellington, New Zealand on May 16, followed by eight more dates across New Zealand and Australia. From August 31, they’ll continue with a North American run that starts at History in Toronto, Canada.

Boygenius have reflected on the positive LGBTQ+ representation across the 2024 Grammy nominations.The supergroup – comprising Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus – were nominated for six 2024 Grammys awards last week, including Album and Record Of The Year for ‘The Record’ and ‘Not Strong Enough’, respectively.Bridgers also earned a seventh nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her SZA collaboration ‘Ghost In The Machine’.In a recent interview with Billboard, Boygenius reflected on their nominations and shared their thoughts on the wider LGBTQ+ representation across all the nominees like Victoria Monét, Miley Cyrus and Brandy Clark.A post shared by boygenius (@xboygeniusx)When asked what it means to see that kind of representation in the nominations, Baker replied: “It’s cool, because when you’re saying ‘this class of people,’ or ‘this demographic of folks’ … it’s like, if there’s enough people that fit that category within the organisation, it stops becoming a novelty.”Bridgers added “or even just as much of a commodity”, to which Baker replied: “Exactly, it allows all of those people to be individuated more.”Dacus continued: “It would be so sick if the way all queer people were treated got more normal too. Like, we have a friend that, during Pride Month, said, ‘It’s cool to see the rainbow on this Shell gas station sign.

André 3000 has shared details about his first solo album in 17 years, an 87-minute long album of experimental flute music.Announced today (November 14), the OutKast rapper revealed to fans that the album is not a rap record and even includes a label on the cover warning that the LP contains “no bars”.Titled ‘New Blue Sun’, the album is instead an 87-minute long record of both minimalist and experimental music, which hears André take on a variety of woodwind instruments including contrabass flute, Mayan flutes, bamboo flutes as well as other digital wind instruments. No bars, beats or vocals are included.“I’ve always kind of been analysing it or figuring out how I wanted to approach it… I have to feel happy about sharing it,” André 3000 told NPR about his approach to a new solo album.“That’s why ‘New Blue Sun’ was something that I realised, whoa, I really want people to hear it. I really want to share it.

The Smile have announced new album ‘Wall Of Eyes’ and shared the title track – check it out below.The new album from the Radiohead side project – comprising Jonny Greenwood, bandmate Thom Yorke and former Sons Of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner – is due out on January 26 via XL Recordings, which you can pre-order/pre-save here.The band have also announced news of a UK and European tour for 2024, where they’ll open at Dublin’s 3Arena on March 7 and finish up with a show at London’s Alexandra Palace on March 23. General sale tickets go live at 9am BST on Friday, November 17. You can buy your tickets here and find the full touring schedule below.Title track ‘Wall Of Eyes’ is out now and comes with a video directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Young Fathers and Squid are among the latest batch of names who have been announced for next year’s Wide Awake Festival.The independent festival will be returning to London’s Brockwell Park on May 25, 2024 and had previously announced that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard would be headlining.Now, numerous more acts have been added to the line-up, including DJs Ben UFO and Helena Hauff, Alice Glass and C.O.F.F.I.N. Also new to the bill are The Babe Rainbow, The Dare, Decius, Etran De L’air, Crumb, Eartheater, Upchuck, and YHWH Nailgun.

Grimes took on DJ duties at an event calling for looser regulations on artificial intelligence, but told the crowds that she was against “the sentiment of this party”.Taking place on Monday night (November 6), the singer-songwriter held a DJ set as part of an afterparty for the first DevDay developer conference for OpenAI – a platform made by the same developers behind ChatGPT.The event was also held just days after the launch of competitor platform Grok, which is an AI Chatbot launched by billionaire Elon Musk – who is also the ex-husband of Grimes.At the OpenAI event, which was held at the 1015 Folsom nightclub in San Francisco, Grimes appeared to perform at the afterparty. However, she also made it clear that she was opposed to the theme of the event, which strives to keep AI free of any regulations.“I disagree with the sentiment of this party,” she told the crowd (via The San Francisco Standard).

Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein has called for “Palestinian liberation” during a live show in London.The moment came as the American rock band performed during a live show at The Dome in London last night (November 8) – in what was their smallest UK show in over two decades.As well as bringing out renditions of fan favourites such as ‘Modern Girl’ and ‘Dig Me Out’, the band also used the show in the capital to share their desire for a ceasefire in the Israel/Gaza conflict.Speaking directly to the audience mid-way through the show, Carrie Brownstein highlighted the ongoing developments across the Middle East, stating (via Clash): “We want a ceasefire and we want Palestinian liberation and we want peace.”She continued, urging those in the room to make an active push for “what is right”, stating: “There’s not much we can say right now except that there’s a lot going on, and this is the only chance we have… we’re so fucking lucky to be here, to be alive, so please fight with all your heart for what is right.”Actual Sleater Kinney! pic.twitter.com/TVieoeHYgE— The James McMahon Music Podcast (@jamesjammcmahon) November 8, 2023Посмотрел на Sleater-Kinney в клубе на 250 человек, невозможно редкое событие pic.twitter.com/r2OdJogSqt— Pasha Borisov (@3insy) November 8, 2023Elsewhere at their set at London’s Dome venue, Sleater-Kinney also kicked off their 19-song setlist with ‘Hell’ – the lead single from their upcoming new album ‘Little Rope’. Find footage of the gig above.Set for release on January 19, 2024, via Vista, the forthcoming LP will mark the band’s 11th studio album.

AURORA has shared a new blissful single titled ‘Your Blood’. Check it out below.Shared today (November 8), the track is the Norwegian alt-pop singer’s first new music since she released her chart-topping third album ‘The Gods We Can Touch’, and sees her deliver some cathartic vocals alongside some synth-infused instrumentals.‘Your Blood’, co-written, produced and recorded by Chris Greatti (Lady Gaga, Willow, Yungblud, Grimes), finds AURORA shedding light on the beauty of the human soul in all its forms – celebrating it for its vulnerability, emotions and flaws. It also is described in a press release as a track that “marks a new era” for the singer and opens her up to “another chapter in her ever-evolving” discography.Discussing the new single, AURORA said: “The world is always bleeding.

Porno For Pyros have announced that they will soon release ‘Agua’, their first new song in 26 years.The LA-formed alt-rock band will share ‘Agua’ on November 16. It’s the first single taken from a new EP that’s released in February.Porno For Pyros, who formed in 1992 followed the first break-up of Jane’s Addiction, last released an album – ‘Good God’s Urge’ – in 1996.News of the new single comes after the band postponed an autumn US tour days before it was set to kick off last month.

Lucy Rose has shared details of a one-off performance, set to take place in London next spring. Find ticket details below.The upcoming live show follows on the heels of her recently released new single, ‘Could You Help Me’, and is set to arrive shortly after the singer performs at her previously announced intimate show at Ronnie Scott’s.Set to take place on April 25, the headline stop will take place at The Roundhouse venue, and will be held as part of the venue’s annual ‘In The Round Festival”.

Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Keith Urban are set to feature on Foy Vance‘s on new single ‘Guiding Light (Anniversary Edition)’.The new track – which was originally recorded for Vance’s 2013 album ‘Joy Of Nothing’ and features vocals from longtime friend Sheeran – is set for release on November 16 via Gingerbread Man Records for the 10-year anniversary. You can pre-save it here.“When I wrote ‘Guiding Light’ I was feeling lost in my life due to a loss of family, friendships and reason,” said Vance in a press statement.

Blossoms have announced a huge outdoor concert at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester for August 2024 – find all the details below and buy tickets here.The show, which will be the biggest of their career, will take place on Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday, August 25.The all-day event will feature support from Inhaler, Shed Seven, The K’s, Seb Lowe TTRRUUCES.Tickets will go on sale next Friday, November 10 at 10am GMT from here. Fans can also pre-order Blossoms’ forthcoming new album – set for release in summer 2024) – to gain access to pre-sale tickets, which will be available from Thursday, November 9 at 10am GMT.“Headlining our biggest show yet at Wythenshawe Park is going to be THE moment of our career so far for us,” said Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden.

Tickets are on sale now and can be found here.Jane’s Addiction are set to headline the event with a UK-exclusive performance. Also scheduled to appear are Future Islands, Amyl And The Sniffers, Sleaford Mods, Orbital, Dinosaur Jr (UK-exclusive) and Bob Vylan.Other confirmed acts include Wargasm, New Model Army, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Jane Weaver, Pip Blom, English Teacher, 808 State, Beans On Toast, Sonic Boom Six and many more across the weekend.According to organisers, “loads more” artists are to be announced across multiple stages in the coming months.

Shed Seven have shared a pensive new single called ‘Starlings’ – listen to it below.The track is the latest preview of the band’s forthcoming new album ‘A Matter of Time’ – available to pre-order here – and follows singles ‘Kissing California’, ‘F:K:H’ and last month’s ‘In Ecstasy‘ featuring Happy Mondays singer Rowetta.‘Starlings’ is a more melancholy offering compared to their recent anthemic singles, featuring slow-burning strings and piano melody alongside lyrics about a painful but hopeful goodbye.Listen to the track below.Speaking about the new track, frontman Rick Witter shared: “‘Starlings’ showcases the album with a different kind of emotion. It’s a love letter to a departed partner.

Miley Cyrus has shared her admiration for Billie Eilish and confirmed that she wants to organise a collaboration with the singer.The singer shared her love for the 21-year-old musician during a new interview, and revealed that she is open to collaborating with her in the future.“I absolutely love Billie Eilish,” Cyrus told the Sunday Mirror (via Music News). “She’s one of the coolest artists out there at the moment.”“What impressed me so much is that she is already an authentic artist.

Eric Cantona has made his live debut in Manchester, performing tracks from his new EP ‘I’ll Make My Own Heaven’. Find footage of the set below.The first of the Manchester United icon’s run of live shows kicked off in the city last week, with two back-to-back shows at the Stoller Hall venue (October 26 and 27). It follows his recently released debut EP, which arrived earlier this month via Decca.Taking to the stage for the gig, Cantona performed wearing a fedora, a black trench coat and a white shirt, paired with some garish red tracksuit bottoms and red boots.From there, he performed tracks from his newly shared EP –’ I’ll Make My Own Heaven’ and the French-sung ‘Je Veux’.He also performed the lead single from the release, ‘The Friends We Lost’, as well as a host of new material.

Facebook: “There have been rumours and stories surfacing. I have been in Eugene the last two days at Dusty Street’s beside.“The numerous afflictions that she has been so indomitably fighting these last years finally caught up to her.

Young Fathers have made history by winning their third Scottish Album of the Year award with the LP ‘Heavy, Heavy‘.While accepting the prize, frontman Alloysious Massaquoi said: “Thank you to the judges, and all the nominees and everybody that’s turned up tonight – it’s a bit radge!”He continued: “The album is called ‘Heavy Heavy’ for a reason, it’s the trials and tribulations of everybody. It’s one of those things where we sort of had to start from scratch, it had been four or five years since we put something out since ‘Cocoa Sugar’.

Glastonbury Festival, hinting once again that there could be two female headliners.The 2024 edition of the legendary Worthy Farm event will take place between June 26-30, with the first batches of tickets due to go on sale next week. No acts have been announced as of yet.Speaking on the latest episode of Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw’s Sidetracked podcast, Glastonbury co-organiser Eavis spoke about the progress the team has made in putting the bill together.“2024 is still a little up in the air.

Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini has died just months after revealing his lung cancer diagnosis, the band have announced.The news was shared by the band on Twitter/X today (October 24), who described the guitarist as “a singularly brilliant & eccentric talent”.“Impossible to quantify your contribution to the Massive Attack canon,” they wrote.

Duran Duran have shared a cover of Talking Heads‘ ‘Psycho Killer’ with Måneskin‘s Victoria De Angelis.The track features on Duran Duran’s forthcoming Halloween-themed album ‘Danse Macabre‘ – which is out this Friday October 27, available to pre-order/pre-save here – and marks the first cover to be unveiled from the record.Danse Macabre will also feature covers of Billie Eilish, The Rolling Stones, The Specials and more.The new song features De Angelis on guest bass and vocals, along with ex-Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor on guitar.Listen to the ‘Psycho Killer’ cover below.Duran Duran bassist John Taylor said in a press statement that De Angelis was “probably the most important electric bassist out there right now”.He continued: “I met a couple of the guys from Måneskin at a party and they said, ‘you’ve got to meet our bass player.’ She’s such a dynamo! I was like ‘what inspired you?’ and Vic said, ‘Tina Weymouth’. So when Psycho Killer made the cut for the album, I thought, ‘I’m gonna ask her if she’d like to have a bass-off!'”De Angelis said being asked to feature on the album was “such a wild honour”, adding: “I met John at a party, and we immediately bonded talking about music and bass.

Holly Macve has teamed up with Lana Del Rey on her first collaborative single titled ‘Suburban House’. Check it out belowThe Irish-born & Yorkshire-raised songwriter was able to work with Del Rey after forming a close friendship via Instagram a few years ago. The track is part of Macve’s new project due in early 2024.Speaking of the song in a press release, Macve said: “I sometimes feel my intuition wrote this song for me.

Lana Del Rey has taken to social media to deny claims that she grew up in a wealthy family.The singer-songwriter refuted rumours that she grew up in wealth in a new-deleted Instagram video last Wednesday (October 18), stating that she grew up in one of “the most rural places in America” and her family “had absolutely no money”.In the clip – which has resurfaced online following being taken down by the musician – Del Rey spoke directly to the camera and explained what her upbringing was like, including being left out by other kids at school because of her lack of wealth.“I want to make this video really short and sweet, just because the conversation keeps coming up about me coming from money and my family having money…,” she began the five-minute-long update.In the post, she recalled that her hometown of Lake Placid, New York was “not a wealthy town”, and tackled misconceptions about her going to a private boarding school by saying that she was only able to attend due to “financial aid” – offered as her uncle worked in the administrative building.She also claimed that she had a tough time in the school because other students knew that she wasn’t wealthy, and subsequently gave her the nickname “White trash from Lake Placid.”Lana Del Rey addresses rumours of growing up rich, in since deleted Instagram post. pic.twitter.com/XDQdHsRwsJ— Season Of Lana (@SeasonOfLana) October 19, 2023Elsewhere in the update, she recalled her parents arguing about money daily and her father working as a woodworker to make ends meet.

PJ Harvey has announced a show at London’s Gunnersbury Park for summer 2024.The artist will be performing her only London summer show of 2024 on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Tickets go on general sale this Friday, October 27 at 9am BST – you can purchase yours here.