Suki Benjamin

Lindsey Buckingham postpones UK and European tour after contracting COVID-19

Lindsey Buckingham has postponed his upcoming UK and European tour after he and members of his live band and crew recently contracted COVID-19. The former Fleetwood Mac musician had been due to kick off his solo tour in Dublin on Tuesday (May 17), with further dates booked in Glasgow, Liverpool and London. READ MORE: Lindsey Buckingham – ‘Lindsey Buckingham’ review: Fleetwood Mac visionary’s stellar return Buckingham has now been forced, however, to postpone those dates as he continues his recovery from COVID-19, which also forced the premature end of his recent North American tour. Advertisement “It is with great sadness that we are announcing the postponement of Lindsey’s European tour,” a statement posted on the musician’s social media channels this afternoon (May 12) reads. “Along with other members of his band and crew, Lindsey contracted COVID-19 at the end of his latest North American tour, forcing that to end prematurely. News on Lindsey’s upcoming European tour. pic.twitter.com/E87MFqLQBY — Lindsey Buckingham (@LBuckingham) May 12, 2022 “Unfortunately, he’s still recovering and has no choice but to move the upcoming tour to a later date.” The statement adds: “This is heartbreaking for Lindsey, he was so excited to come to Europe for the… Read More →

12MAYNews

Watch Arcade Fire cover Harry Styles’ ‘As It Was’

Arcade Fire have covered Harry Styles’ song ‘As It Was’ during a live session at the BBC‘s Maida Vale Studios – watch their rendition of the track below. READ MORE: Arcade Fire: “‘WE’ connects the dots between everything we’ve ever done” The band, who released their sixth studio album ‘WE’ earlier this month, recorded the Styles cover for BBC Radio 2 following a longer session with 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq. Arcade Fire’s lively, full-band cover of Styles’ ‘As It Was’ has now been shared on YouTube. The original ‘As It Was’ will feature on Styles’ upcoming third studio album ‘Harry’s House‘. Advertisement You can watch Arcade Fire take on Styles’ ‘As It Was’ below, and watch their full 6 Music set, where they perform cuts from ‘WE’ as well as 2010’s ‘The Suburbs’, here. Both Arcade Fire and Styles performed at last month’s Coachella, with the latter headlining the California festival’s main stage. The former also recently reopened London’s KOKO venue. Speaking to NME for their recent Big Read, Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler said that the band are hoping to execute “the definitive Arcade Fire tour” later this year. Arcade Fire’s ‘WE’ world tour will kick off in Dublin… Read More →

11MAYNews

Black Dahlia Murder frontman Trevor Strnad has died, aged 41

Trevor Strnad, the frontman of melodic death metal band The Black Dahlia Murder, has died at the age of 41. The musician’s death was confirmed by the band, who shared the news in a statement on Instagram. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad,” The Black Dahlia Murder wrote. “Beloved son, brother, and Shepard of good times, he was loved by all that met him.” They continued: “A walking encyclopedia of all things music. He was a hugger, a writer, and truly one of the world’s greatest entertainers. His lyrics provided the world with stories and spells and horror and whimsy. It was his life to be your show.” While no official cause of death has yet been revealed, the band shared the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the end of their post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Black Dahlia Murder (@theblackdahliamurder_official) Strnad was a founding member of The Black Dahlia Murder – whose name is derived from the 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, often referred to as Black Dahlia – and was part of the Michigan band’s original line-up that released their demo ‘What… Read More →

11MAYNews

Diddy announces R&B label which will release his first solo album since 2006

Diddy – aka Love – has announced the launch of Love Records, a new R&B label which will release his first solo album since 2006. READ MORE: How to set up a record label The hip-hop mogul (real name Sean Combs) will maintain his supervision role at Bad Boy Entertainment – the label he founded in 1993, which put out albums by The Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e, Faith Evans, 112, Black Rob and more – while developing Love Records. The new label will work in partnership with Motown Records and is “dedicated to R&B music and will release singles and collaborative projects from a collective of world-class artists, producers and songwriters,” according to a press release. Advertisement The announcement marks Diddy’s official return to music. The first release on Love Records will be the rapper and producer’s fifth studio album – his first since 2006’s ‘Press Play’. The new album is set to arrive this summer. He will reportedly act as executive producer, curator, and A&R for his upcoming project. “Music has always been my first love. Love Records is the next chapter, is about getting back to the love and making the best music of my life,” Diddy said in a statement…. Read More →

11MAYNews

Ed Sheeran links up with Australian rising star Budjerah for new ‘2step’ remix

Ed Sheeran has released the sixth official remix of his ‘=’ song ‘2step’, this time joining forces with Australian up-and-comer Budjerah. READ MORE: Budjerah: Soulful singer-songwriter and Matt Corby mentee offers vibey, relatable R&B Sheeran was introduced to the artist – an R&B singer-songwriter from the coastal village of Fingal Head, New South Wales – at the 2021 ARIA Awards, where Budjerah won the gong for Breakthrough Artist. Sheeran presented the award, appearing at last year’s ARIAs in tribute to the late Mushroom Group founder Michael Gudinski. In a press release announcing the remix, Budjerah said: “I was so shocked to have won my first ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist at last Year ARIAs, and it meant so much to me that Ed Sheeran was the one who read my name out. To now be featuring on the Australian remix of Ed’s track ‘2step’ and have it released globally as I’m just starting my first overseas tour, it’s really exciting!!” Advertisement Have a listen to Budjerah’s remix of ‘2step’ below: Budjerah’s remix of ‘2step’ comes as the sixth that Sheeran has released thus far, following new takes on it with Lil Baby, Antytila, Ellinoora, Ultimo and 1.Cuz. The song originally… Read More →

10MAYNews

Ukrainian Eurovision entry Kalush Orchestra: “This is the highest responsibility possible”

This year’s Ukrainian entrants for the Eurovision Song Contest, Kalush Orchestra, have spoken to NME about their song ‘Stefania’ and what it means to be representing their country during a time of war. Watch our full video interview with frontman Oleh Psiuk above. READ MORE: Ukrainian artists on the Russian crisis: “Now is the time to push for change” The rap group, who formed in 2019, replaced Ukraine’s original entrant Alina Pash, who withdrew from the competition in February. Now, they’re currently favourites to win the contest, which takes place this week in Turin. Speaking to NME, frontman Oleh Psiuk explained how their taking part was a “huge responsibility”, given the ongoing war with Russia. Advertisement “To represent Ukraine in the international arena is always a responsibility, but to represent it during the war is just the highest responsibility possible,” he said. Their song ‘Stefania’ was written in tribute to Psiuk’s mother, but with emotive and rallying lyrics that include the line “The field is blooming, but her hair is getting grey / Mother, sing me the lullaby, I want to hear your dear word“, the track has taken on a new meaning for many. “The song was composed and dedicated to my… Read More →

10MAYNews

Watch video for Headie One’s new single ‘Came In The Scene’

Headie One has shared a new single ‘Came In The Scene’ – watch the video below. READ MORE: Headie One – ‘Too Loyal For My Own Good’ review: an experimental mixtape ‘Came In The Scene’ is the first taste of new solo music from the rapper since his 2021 mixtape ‘Too Loyal For My Own Good’ and 2020 debut album ‘Edna’. He also released a collaborative mixtape in 2020 with producer Fred again.. titled ‘Gang’ that featured appearances from FKA twigs, Jamie xx, Sampha and more. The new track follows Headie One’s appearance on M Huncho’s recently released single ‘Warzone’. Advertisement Produced by M1onTheBeat, ‘Came In The Scene’ features classic Headie One drill bars over an energetic beat. The accompanying music video, directed by the rapper and Don Prod, takes him and his crew back to his old stomping grounds in Broadwater Farm. In the visuals, they’re seen surrounded by expensive-looking cars, before driving through the streets of London and enjoying a fancy meal in a restaurant. At the end of the video, Headie One and his crew are filmed in black and white as they hop on board a private jet. In a four-star review of ‘Too Loyal For My Own Good’, NME‘s Kyann-Sian Williams… Read More →

10MAYNews

Emmanuel Macron reportedly tried to get Måneskin disqualified from Eurovision

French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to get Måneskin disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest, it has been reported. The glam-rock group – fronted by Damiano David – won the annual music competition for Italy last year after scoring 524 points with their hit track ‘Zitti E Buoni’. READ MORE: Måneskin on working with Iggy Pop, partying with Ed Sheeran and Eurovision advice However, their victory was soon overshadowed by accusations that David had been caught on camera snorting cocaine off a table in the green room. The singer denied the claims and subsequently passed a voluntary drug test. Advertisement Måneskin have since enjoyed huge success. Earlier this year, they were nominated for two BRIT Awards (Best International Group and International Song Of The Year) and joined forces with Iggy Pop on a new version of their song ‘I Wanna Be Your Slave’. In June 2021, the group achieved two simultaneous UK top 10 singles with ‘Beggin” and the original recording of ‘…Slave’. Last month saw Måneskin make their Coachella debut ahead of scheduled main stage appearances at this year’s Reading & Leeds. Back in January, they appeared as the musical guests on Saturday Night Live for the first time. In… Read More →

10MAYNews

Brexit touring regulations to be eased to help UK-based musicians

Restrictions imposed on UK-based musicians touring in the EU after Brexit are to be eased. READ MORE: Brexit, one year on: Music industry remains frustrated at “clueless” government Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced this month a new dual registration system that will make it easier for hauliers to move equipment from the UK to the EU. This will only apply to drivers with a fixed base in the UK and in a country outside of the UK. Previously, UK-EU regulations permitted hauliers to just three EU stops per tour, which placed tight limits on bands playing live in EU nations. But now, from late summer, hauliers will be able to move freely with unlimited stops for up to six months per year. Advertisement The Evening Standard reports that Shapps said: “British talent has long been at the heart of global performing arts and our specialist haulage sector is critical to the success of their tours. Radiohead performs live during a concert at the Kindl Buehne Wuhlheide on September 29, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Jakubaszek/Redferns via Getty Images) “It is unacceptable that, because of EU bureaucracy, the operations of our specialist haulage sector on which our artists rely have been put… Read More →

10MAYNews

Jack Harlow announces North American tour for new album ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’

Jack Harlow has announced an arena tour of North America in support of his second studio album, ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’. The tour, announced today (May 10), will start in Nashville at the city’s Municipal Auditorium. An ensuing 21 dates will follow across September and October, wrapping at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on October 16. Hip-hop duo City Girls – best known for their feature on Drake‘s 2018 single ‘In My Feelings’ – will support Harlow for most of the tour. Harlow is set to tour the world in support of the album, taking in festival dates across the US, the UK and Australia in the coming months. Advertisement Harlow released ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’ last Friday (May 6). The album features the Billboard Number One single ‘First Class’ and ‘Dua Lipa’, a song named after the famous singer that Harlow claims to have cleared with her prior to its release. Other artists that feature on the album include the aforementioned Drake, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams and Lil Wayne. In a three-star review of the album, NME described it as “packing filler between his knockout singles”. “You’ll find a gem or two here and there, but this collection’s… Read More →

09MAYNews

‘Later… With Jools Holland’ to return this weekend with artists all in same room again

Later… With Jools Holland is set to return to BBC Two this Saturday (May 14), with all the musical guests in the same room for the first time since lockdown. Jools Holland made the announcement via his Instagram, writing that the full line-up was yet to be announced. However, the BBC have now revealed that Wet Leg, Obongjayar and Joe Bonamassa will be appearing on the first episode, filmed at the restored Alexandra Palace Theatre. London singer-songwriter Cat Burns will also make her TV debut. Advertisement The BBC have also confirmed Liam Gallagher, Oumou Sangaré, Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul and Irish musician Sinead O’Brien for episode 2, airing Saturday May 21. “I’m very excited that my tv show returns on BBC Two on Saturday nights from the 14th of May,” he wrote in the caption. “The first time all the musical guests are in the same room as one another since lockdown. Wooooohoooo. I will reveal more about lineup and new location soon. Until then, to give you a smell of it, here’s the full opening titles filmed in my layout.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jools Holland (@jools.holland.official) Fans have been speculating that Liam Gallagher… Read More →

09MAYHit Singles

Introducing the Ultimate Music Guide to The Eagles

BUY THE EAGLES ULTIMATE MUSIC GUIDE HERE One thing you can be pretty sure the Eagles never did was to take it easy. Though already veterans of several countrywide late 1960s bands from the tail-end of the country rock boom, by the time the original line-up came together at Doug Weston’s Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, they weren’t so much disheartened by what had gone before, more primed and ready to make their next move. In the band’s circle were other promising artists. Linda Ronstadt, with whom they first performed together. John David Souther, who was in a band with Frey. And Jackson Browne, who, like Souther, contributed material to the new group. “Everyone was coming to California, and in the end that was what they were writing about,” Browne told Uncut, in just one of the eye-opening archive interviews you’ll find inside this latest Ultimate Music Guide. “That projected dream of what freedom could be. Vacate your assigned positions in life and be what you fucking want.” Advertisement Now in the right place at the right time, the Eagles seized their moment. Ambitious musically as well as personally, they were driven by what some called perfectionism, but might more… Read More →

09MAYNews

Hear Minnie of (G)I-DLE’s captivating cover of Bruno Major’s ‘Nothing’

(G)I-DLE member Minnie has shared a stunning rendition of Bruno Major’s 2020 track ‘Nothing’. READ MORE: (G)I-DLE’s MIYEON: “I am the owner of my life, and I believe in my own path” Yesterday (May 8), the Thai-born singer took to (G)I-DLE’s official YouTube channel to share her live performance of the Bruno Major track, where she was accompanied by a guitarist. ‘Nothing’ was originally released as part of the English singer-songwriter’s sophomore studio album ‘A Song for Every Moon’. “So shut all the windows, lock all the doors / We’re not looking for no one, don’t need nothing more / You’ll bite my lip and I’ll want you more / Until we end up in a heap on the floor,” she sings on the bridge. Advertisement The new clip marks Minnie’s first solo song cover released through (G)I-DLE’s YouTube channel in over a year. The Thai K-pop singer had previously shared her renditions of Charlotte Lawrence’s ‘Why Do You Love Me’ and Sara Bareilles’ ‘Gravity’. Earlier in March, the vocalist, along with the members of (G)I-DLE made their first comeback in over a year with their debut full-length effort ‘I Never Die’, led by the single ‘Tomboy’. In a review of… Read More →

08MAYNews

Lil Baby previews new song ‘Dark Mode’ in Beats By Dre commercial with Ja Morant

Lil Baby has shared a tease of new music – a fiery, headstrong tune titled ‘Dark Mode’ in a new advert for Beats By Dre. READ MORE: Lil Baby & Lil Durk – ‘The Voice Of The Heroes’ review: legends-in-the-making unite The ad itself – helmed by the Baltimore creative outfit ILLIMITEWORLD – aired during Game 3 of the NBA playoffs yesterday (May 8). It stars Lil Baby and Memphis Grizzlies member Ja Morant in a montage of monochromatic, stylised shots. It acts like somewhat of a music video for ‘Dark Mode’, with the track itself seeing Lil Baby riff on his success and rapping prowess with an impressive string of basketball metaphors. Over a bed of sharp beats built around soundbites of boots stoping and squeaking on a basketball court, he raps: “Twelve to twelve, I’m tryna bust a clock, the Ja Morant flow / I get in that zone, I get to callin’ it the dark mode / Love the fans so much, I hear ’em screamin’, ‘Pipe me up more’ / Call me what you want, but if you know, then call me young GOAT.” Advertisement Have a look at the ad below: In a press statement shared with the… Read More →

08MAYNews

Paul Heaton is getting a round in at 60 pubs to celebrate his birthday

Paul Heaton has announced plans to get a round in at several pubs across the UK and Ireland to celebrate his 60th birthday. READ MORE: Paul Heaton’s act of music industry generosity was heart-warming. But don’t get any ideas, Rishi The former The Housemartins and Beautiful South vocalist took to Twitter yesterday (May 7) to announce the plans which he hopes will “bring people together”. “To celebrate my 60th birthday (on Monday, May 9) I’d originally intended to do another bicycle tour, visiting and performing at 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland. However, due to recording delays caused by the pandemic, I’ve had to shelve those plans for the time being,” he started. Advertisement “Instead, I’ve decided that the next best way to celebrate this coming of age is to handpick 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland and put a given amount of money behind the bar of each one. Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out or the bar runs dry!).” To celebrate my 60th birthday (on Monday 9th May) I’d originally intended to do another bicycle tour, visiting & performing at 60 pubs across the UK & Ireland…. Read More →

06MAYNews

Rage Against The Machine share statement in support of abortion rights

Rage Against The Machine have shared a statement speaking out in support of abortion rights, following a leaked draft from the Supreme Court privately voting to overturn Roe v. Wade. The landmark decision was voted on by the US Supreme Court in 1973, a ruling that made abortion legal on a federal level in the US. However, earlier this week (May 2), Politico obtained a leaked initial draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito that suggested the court is prepared to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Since then, Chief Justice John Roberts has confirmed the authenticity of the document, but has said the draft “does not represent a decision by the Court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case”. Advertisement Draft opinions can be subject to multiple drafts and vote-trading, sometimes until just days before they are shared, so the court’s decision is not final. If the court goes through with overturning the landmark case, however, abortion would no longer be protected as a federal right in the US, and each state would be able to decide individually whether to restrict or ban abortion. pic.twitter.com/CPUDJLqrZl — Rage Against The Machine (@RATMofficial) May 6, 2022 Joining… Read More →

06MAYNews

Bop Shop: Songs From Lady Gaga, Tove Lo, Chappell Roan, And More

The search for the ever-elusive “bop” is difficult. Playlists and streaming-service recommendations can only do so much. They often leave a lingering question: Are these songs really good, or are they just new? Enter Bop Shop, a hand-picked selection of songs from the MTV News team. This weekly collection doesn’t discriminate by genre and can include anything — it’s a snapshot of what’s on our minds and what sounds good. We’ll keep it fresh with the latest music, but expect a few oldies (but goodies) every once in a while, too. Get ready: The Bop Shop is now open for business. Rivals: “Dark Matter” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKbANXy1-IY I came across pop-rock band Rivals on TikTok a few weeks ago and have had their latest single, “Dark Matter,” on repeat ever since. The track has all the elements of an all-out banger: powerhouse vocals reminiscent of Evanescence’s Amy Lee, haunting guitars, and a gritty spoken word cut-in. It even has a nod to the pop icon Ariana Grande with the lyric, “If God is a woman then so is the devil.” The catchiest part of the song is perhaps its pre-chorus, “Bitter and broke and I’m fucking bored / Nothing to lose so watch me transform… Read More →

06MAYNews

Bad Bunny goes on a carefree road trip in music video for ‘Moscow Mule’

Bad Bunny has released his new album ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ today (May 6), sharing a music video for lead single ‘Moscow Mule’ to mark the occasion. The clip was directed by Bad Bunny’s longtime collaborator Stillz, and opens with the reggaeton star being picked up by a woman for a carefree road trip together. They drive, hang out and party before she leaves him alone in a dark, high-rise apartment. They’re later reunited at the end of the clip, completely naked and frolicking on a tropical beach. Watch it below. Advertisement ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’, which translates to ‘A Summer Without You’, is Bad Bunny’s fourth record, and the follow-up to 2020’s ‘El Último Tour Del Mundo’. He announced the new album last month through a classified car advert, which included a phone number for fans to dial. The new LP, produced with MAG, Tainy, and more, comprises 23 tracks, including a number collaborations: ‘Me Porto Bonito’ with Chencho Corleone, ‘Tarot’ with Jhayco, ‘Andrea’ with Buscabulla and ‘La Corriente’ with Tony Dize. Later this year the Puerto Rican rapper will head off on his first North and South American stadium tour from August through to December. He’ll be joined by Alesso and Diplo… Read More →

05MAYNews

Listen to HAAi team up with Jon Hopkins on new single ‘Baby, We’re Ascending’

HAAi has shared the title track from her forthcoming debut album – listen to the Jon Hopkins-featuring ‘Baby, We’re Ascending’ below. READ MORE: HAAi: the creator of a high-flying, vibrant electronic wonderland The singer, producer and DJ – aka Teneil Throssell – will release her first studio effort on May 27 via Mute (pre-order here). She’s already dropped the songs ‘Purple Jelly Disc’ (feat. Obi Franky) and ‘Bodies Of Water’. Speaking of her trance-y new team-up with Hopkins, HAAi explained: “This is a track I made with one of my dearest friends Jon Hopkins. I’d been working on this particular track alone for a while and got stuck with it – I posted a clip on my Instagram one morning and Jon messaged me asking what it was and could we work on it together.” Advertisement She continued: “It started to evolve after a few weeks and became something quite special and personal for us. Hope you enjoy listening as much as we did making it!” You can listen to HAAi and Jon Hopkins’ ‘Baby, We’re Ascending’ here: HAAi’s upcoming 13-track album also features Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip (on ‘Biggest Mood Ever’) as well as model and activist Kai-Isaiah Jamal (‘Human Sound’)…. Read More →

05MAYNews

Listen to Sea Girls’ celebratory new single ‘DNA’

Sea Girls have shared the official video for their new single ‘DNA’ – check it out below. READ MORE: Sea Girls – ‘Homesick’ review: glossy indie with flashes of potential amid the forgettable The London band originally released the track as a limited edition blue 7″ vinyl for Record Store Day 2022, which took place on April 23. Following demand from fans, ‘DNA’ has now arrived on major streaming platforms and comes with a scenic, sun-soaked official video that was shot against a stunning backdrop of the Swiss mountains. Advertisement “We read your tweets, replied to DMs and loved all your comments about ‘DNA’ and released it for you!” Sea Girls wrote in the clip’s description. “We made this video on a day off from tour in Zurich.” Frontman Henry Camamile said: “We felt that there was another story to tell from the ‘Homesick’ era, an itch that ‘DNA’ scratches. “This track is a monumental celebration of being strange. It ponders belonging and identity. ‘DNA’ celebrates people who don’t fit in. You are who you are and that’s why people love you.” As for the single’s Becky Garner-directed visuals, Camamile explained: “We shot it in just one take whilst travelling… Read More →

05MAYNews

Pearl Jam pay tribute to Taylor Hawkins on opening night of ‘Gigaton’ tour

Pearl Jam paid tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins during the opening leg of their ‘Gigaton’ tour in North America earlier this week. Before performing ‘Quick Escape’ at San Diego’s Viejas Arena on Tuesday (May 3), frontman Eddie Vedder honoured drummer Matt Cameron’s friendship with Hawkins. READ MORE: Taylor Hawkins, 1972 – 2022: Foo Fighters drummer who always stole the show “[Hawkins] emitted something very incredible and very special,” the Pearl Jam frontman told the audience. “We’re all missing him, and so, Matt, I’m sorry again for your loss. But it just gives us another chance to say how much we appreciate you as well.” Advertisement Hawkins passed away in March in Bogotá, Colombia, where the band had been touring. He was 50. Cameron and Hawkins formed the band Nighttime Boogie Association in 2020 after they both took part in a tribute concert for the late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell in 2019. The duo also performed Queen‘s ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ together with Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro at Vedder’s Ohana festival last October. Joan Jett recently shared her memories of Hawkins in a new interview with NME. Jett remembered Hawkins as “a fuckin’ wonderful guy”, adding: “[He] would light up… Read More →