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Charli XCX reveals her top five Charli XCX songs
Charli XCX has named her five favourite songs from her own catalogue during an appearance on the Lipps Service podcast, alongside the release of her new album, ‘Music, Fashion, Film’. – ‘Stay Away’ from ‘True Romance’, which she described as sentimental because it was her first official release. – ‘Next Level Charli’ from her 2019…
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The Zarabanda Variations review – free jazz project is a thrillingly original dive into colonial history
Keir GoGwilt’s *The Zarabanda Variations* is reviewed as an ambitious and highly original collaborative album that re-examines the colonial Latin American roots of the sarabande, before the dance became associated with European baroque composers. Its fusion of free jazz, baroque strings, percussion and spoken-word poetry creates a challenging but compelling alternative to familiar classical interpretations,…
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The 1979 Pink Floyd song that ridicules dumb stadium rock: “Something that is really stupid sounding”
The article examines Pink Floyd’s 1979 song ‘In the Flesh?’, presenting it as a deliberate parody of empty, bombastic stadium rock. It argues that the track matters because it uses the scale and clichés of arena music to criticise celebrity culture, crowd behaviour and the authoritarian persona developed in *The Wall*. Written during the making…
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“Ilike rock’n’roll to have alittle bit of dirt and some drunkenness and the element of surprise.” Meet Hanoi Rocks legend Sami Yaffa’s new band The Sideshows
Hanoi Rocks bassist Sami Yaffa has formed a new band, The Sideshows, with singer-guitarist Rich Ragany and drummer Simon Maxwell, and released a self-titled debut album. The project marks another chapter in Yaffa’s long rock career, following work with Hanoi Rocks, the revived New York Dolls and Michael Monroe. Yaffa says he alternates between music…
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‘Jumbo’ Sequel, ‘Queen of Malacca’ Franchise Plans on the Cards as Indonesia’s Visinema Eyes Expansion (EXCLUSIVE)
Indonesian studio Visinema is planning to turn its fantasy film “Queen of Malacca” into its next major franchise, with a release targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The project signals the company’s push to build locally rooted intellectual property that can travel internationally, while expanding its production slate and regional partnerships. Founder and director…
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The “worst” performance Phil Collins never wanted to play again
Phil Collins reportedly regarded his appearance at Live Aid in 1985 as one of his worst performances, largely because of the exhausting and complicated journey involved. He played both the London and Philadelphia concerts on the same day, attempting to support the global charity event despite limited preparation and logistical difficulties. After performing at Wembley…
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Watch The Strokes record ‘Reality Awaits’ in ‘In Transit: Part II’ – over 20 years on from original mini-doc
The Strokes have released a 10-minute behind-the-scenes film, ‘In Transit: Part II’, alongside their seventh album, ‘Reality Awaits’. The video revisits the informal style of the band’s 2001 mini-documentary ‘In Transit’, offering fans a nostalgic contrast between their early touring years and their current recording environment. Directed by Johann Rashid, the sequel was filmed during…
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Blackpink’s Jennie Debuts Wistful Single ‘Less Than a Lover’
Blackpink member Jennie has released a new solo single, ‘Less Than a Lover’, accompanied by a cinematic music video. The summery, ethereal track explores a relationship occupying the space between friendship and romance, and extends her solo activity while Blackpink continues its return. Jennie previewed the song during her Governors Ball headline set in New…
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“I was writing with all these rock bands because that’s who wanted to hire me. I did OK with that.” The 10 songs that influenced Desmond Child the most
Desmond Child reflects on the 10 songs that shaped him as a songwriter, linking their influence to his work creating large, emotionally direct rock hits. – Child says reports of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers playing Living On A Prayer across the front line were moving. – He is credited with co-writing major hits including You…
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‘A small snippet’: what pubs make of Burnham’s £100m rates giveaway
Andy Burnham’s new government has announced a 20% business-rates reduction for pubs, clubs and live music venues, costing £100m, as part of efforts to support high streets and slow pub closures. Publicans welcomed the signal of support but said the relief would make only a limited difference because VAT, wages, employer taxes, energy and other…