OHMYGOSSIP — Kid Cudi is going to be taking a year off from music to focus on his film and TV work.
The rapper released his 10th studio album ‘Insano (Nitro Mega)’ last week (ends25.02.24) but he’s already warned fans there’s going to be a long wait until his next release because he’s decided to push the next record back until 2026 so he can spend the next 12 months working on his acting projects.
In a post on X – formerly known as Twitter – he explained: “My next album is already about 80 per cent done, and it’ll be out in 2026.
“As always, we’re takin it someplace new. Just wanted to let yall know, expect an album from me every other year … next year is all about filmin.
“Got a bunch of stuff I need to get done. Film and TV. So I take a year off of music to do it all.”
The hip-hop star has been acting since 2009 and has appeared in films including ‘Silent Night’, ‘X’ its prequel ‘Pearl’ while he’s also appeared in TV shows such as ‘Westworld’.
He’s believed to be working on another movie in the ‘X’ slasher franchise, a movie adaptation of Brandon Taylor’s novel ‘Real Life’ and zombie horror ‘Hell Naw’.
Kid Cudi previously insisted he wants to be accomplished at both acting and music, telling Rolling Stone: “Everything is possible. And I think people, they have an idea about me. They feel that they’ve seen it all, like music.
“And they know I’m a musician, and they give me the acting thing, but it’s like, okay, you can only be good at two things. But here’s the thing. I’m going to be good at five things. I’m going to be good at six things. I’m going to be good at seven things.
“I am trying to tap into the full ability of my soul and make anything I ever dreamed of.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Chase and Status “couldn’t be more proud” after they were unveiled as the recipients of the Producer of the Year BRIT Award for 2024.
The drum and bass duo – comprising Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status) – were previously confirmed to be collaborating with ‘Disconnect’ singer Becky Hill on a “celebration” of the genre at this Saturday’s (02.03.24) BRIT Awards at London’s The O2 arena, and ahead of the ceremony, where they are also in contention for Group of the Year, it’s been announced that the pair will also receive the special prize in recognition of their contributions to dance music.
The duo said: “We couldn’t be more proud – we’ve been flying the flag for British music now for a long time, we’re super proud of all the music that has come out of the UK. As producers, and as a creative duo, I think we are probably in one of the best places we’ve been.”
Damian Christian, Managing Director and President of Promotions at Atlantic Records (part of Warner Music UK) and Chair of the BRIT Committee for 2024 added: “For two decades Chase and Status have been at the heart of UK dance music. As one of the most progressive and prolific groups around, it’s no surprise that they are still at the top of their game. After an incredible 2023, Chase and Status thoroughly deserve to be crowned Producers of the Year. Congratulations to Saul and Will – I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us on Saturday night.”
Over the past 15 years, the prolific pair have produced for the likes of CASISDEAD, Goddard, Luude, Becky Hill Bugzy Malone, Paloma Faith and Venbee, Rihanna, Kano, Rita Ora, Tinie Tempah, Example, Plan B, Kurupt FM and Pip Millett.
Previous recipients of the Producer of the Year prize – which is selected by an expert panel – include, David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Steve Mac.
Elsewhere, Kylie Minogue is set to be honoured with the Global Icon accolade.
The Australian pop princess will also perform on the night, along with Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, Dua Lipa, Jungle, record-breaking nominee RAYE, Rema and Tate McRae.
Nominees include Arlo Parks, Blur, Calvin Harris, Central Cee, Dave, Dua Lipa, Fred again.., Jessie Ware, J Hus, Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Mahalia, PinkPantheress, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, RAYE, The Rolling Stones, SZA, Taylor Swift, and Young Fathers.
The BRIT Awards 2024 with Mastercard will be broadcast exclusively from 8.30pm on March 2 on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Usher has extended his European tour dates to include “seven epic nights in London”.
The 30th anniversary run, ‘Past Present Future’, will kick off with two consecutive concerts at The O2 on April 1 and April 2, before he returns to the venue a few days later, on April 5, 6, 8, 9, and now an additional show has been added on April 11, due to phenomenal demand.
The ‘Yeah!’ hitmaker will then cross the Channel to play Paris’ Accor Arena on April 15 and April 16, the latter date has also just been added.
He will then head to Amsterdam for a mini residency at the Ziggo Dome, where a new date was added to the end of his stint at the venue between April 22 and 26.
The North American leg also sold-out swiftly, leading to more dates being added due to phenomenal demand.
Usher – who just headlined the Super Bowl VIII Halftime Show and released his latest album, ‘Coming Home, earlier this month – said: “It’s been a minute, Europe! I’m as hyped as you are to be back. The love for these shows has been incredible, and I’m truly blessed and thankful for each and every one of you. Seven epic nights in London, four in Amsterdam, two in Paris and Berlin and counting… get ready for an A-TOWN takeover!”
Presales for newly announced shows will run from Wednesday 28 February, 10am local.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale starting on Wednesday 28 February, 12pm local. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more.
Venue Presale from Thursday 29 February, 10am local.
General on sale from Monday 4 March, 10am local, visit UsherWorld.com, for the full tour dates.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Liam Gallagher and John Squire are already plotting a second album together as they hint a long career is ahead for their new supergroup.
The former Oasis frontman and ex-Stone Roses guitarist will unleash their self-titled debut album on Friday (01.03.24), and John is already coming up with ideas for the next one.
Liam, 51, told Rock and Folk Magazine: “It’s a new group.
“When we do another album, and then another, we will have more of a repertoire.
“I can’t wait to hear the next songs John writes.”
John, 61, added: “I want to do more. I already have some ideas.”
‘Wonderwall’ hitmaker Liam admitted they will only have a short set at their upcoming shows together because they won’t be performing songs from their respective groups.
Fans will be able to catch the duo on their tour in March and April.
The pair will hit the road for a series of intimate shows in the UK, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, and America, including two nights in London at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on March 25 and the Troxy on March 26, which holds just 3,100 people.
Their band includes bassist Barrie Cadogan – who has worked with Liam’s arch-nemesis sibling Noel Gallagher’s longtime pal Paul Weller, whom Liam has mocked over the years – and Joey Waronker (R.E.M. and Beck) on drums.
Jake Bugg is set to support the pair on all dates except Brooklyn.
Liam first teased their project after he surprised fans by bringing John out for his pair of Knebworth shows in June 2022 to perform Oasis’ 1995 classic ‘Champagne Supernova’, as he did at their iconic 1996 gigs there.
So far fans have heard the singles ‘Just Another Rainbow’ and ‘Mars to Liverpool’.
‘Live Forever’ hitmaker Liam has boasted that the upcoming collection is “the best record” since The Beatles’ ‘Revolver’.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Lewis Capaldi once professed that he wanted to be “as big as Ed Sheeran”.
The 27-year-old Scottish superstar’s school friend, Jack Cochrane, frontman of the indie rock band The Snuts, has revealed the ‘Someone You Loved’ hitmaker had huge ambitions for his music career when he was starting out and wanted to emulate the success of the ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker.
Jack told The Independent: “Lewis was always saying, ‘I want to be a pop star and I want to be as big as Ed Sheeran.’
“My whole thing was, ‘I wanna be a rock’n’roll star like The Libertines.’ He’s just gone in this crazy skyrocket direction.”
At the start of his rise, Lewis performed at a benefit concert Jack, 25, put on and packed the place out.
He recalled: “He’d just brought out his first single and the place was stowed out. His manager was like, ‘No cameras!’”
Lewis has taken a step back from music amid his struggles with Tourette’s syndrome, which esculated just as his career reached meteoric levels, and his pal is gutted for the BRIT Award winner.
He said: “It’s happened so quickly for him and he’s the OG of having to feel the pressure of what that’s like in this new way.
“He was first to be super funny on the phone and doing a lot of videos, but it’s been hard to watch him having to deal with everything that’s come with his rise. I find it really intense to see. Doing as well as he’s doing and as talented as he is, he should be really happy and enjoy that. But something somewhere’s happened that’s skewed that and I think that’s pretty ****, man.”
Meanwhile, Jack has taken issue with viral stars who have amassed huge followings online before getting experience on the live circuit.
The musician – whose band released their latest LP, ‘Millennials’, last week – said: “There’s such a shift now where you can get so many eyes on you online first.
“People are going into their first ever show and they’ve got 100 million followers. That feels really backwards. You need to do those rubbish shows, and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of them.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Mick Mars doesn’t “regret” anything from his time in Mötley Crüe – even when things got “ugly”.
The 72-year-old axe-slayer was shocked when his former bandmates – Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee and Vince Neil – issued a statement announcing he had resigned from the ‘Girls Girls Girls’ group when in fact Mars had retired from touring.
He’s unable to talk too much about his exit, after he filed a lawsuit at Los Angeles County’s Superior Court in April 2023, in which he claimed his bandmates had been “gas-lighting” him and belittling his musicianship.
In his original filing, he accused the glam metal band of trying to force him out after he had to step back from touring due to longstanding health issues that have worsened.
Mars – who has just released his debut solo album, ‘The Other Side of Mars’ – claimed he would have remained a member of the band regardless of his retirement from touring due.
In a new interview with Guitar World, he said: “I couldn’t do it anymore – the travelling part. I mean, I’m 72 and I have this c***. It gets a little bit strenuous for me to travel around the world and keep doing that for months at a time with a two-week break. It’s just gotten to be too much for me. So yeah, that’s about it.”
On them using “resigned” instead of “retired”, he said: “Two different words, two different meanings. It was just retiring from the touring part. I’d actively be involved in every entity of Mötley Crüe. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them. I don’t regret anything we’ve ever done – good, bad or ugly, whatever. My body just couldn’t do it anymore.”
Mars insists he was good friends with his bandmates, despite the drug and booze-fuelled antics they got up to, including allegedly setting fire to his doors.
Asked if they were more than colleagues, he said: “Yeah, at one point. It’s like, I don’t hate anybody. In the band there’s a lot of stuff that I wasn’t particularly fond of that would happen through the years. Wiping your [butt] on my doorknob wasn’t exactly fun. That kind of stuff – lighting my doors on fire. And like I said, when I look back at it now, it’s kind of comical.
But this happened, and it wasn’t funny at the time.”
Mars has been replaced by John 5.

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OHMYGOSSIP — The Kid Laroi says people will learn more about him from his music than his upcoming documentary.
The Australian singer’s ‘Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About A Kid Named Laroi’ promises to give an insight into his life as a popstar but he believes he is most open and revealing in his music.
He said: “As much as people are gonna learn about me through this documentary, I think people would learn more if they really paid attention to the music.”
The documentary has been directed by Michael D. Ratner and will give fans more of an insight into the making of his debut album, ‘The First Time’.
It will also feature interviews with Post Malone and Justin Bieber, who he collaborated with on ‘Stay’.
Justin shared in the documentary teaser: “The first time I ever actually called him, he was in the shower, and I was like, ‘What’s up, dog? You can call me when you’re done showering!’”
The movie will also delve into Laroi’s friendship with late rapper Juice WRLD.
Laroi, 20, said in the trailer: “I had an incredible mentor. He taught me a lot about life. He had so much life left to live.”
Speaking previously about Juice, who died in 2019 as a result of oxycodone and codeine toxicity, he told NME: “I love Juice – shout out to my brother, RIP, one of the greatest of all time. He was obviously a close friend of mine and a mentor.
“They need to leave his legacy alone and let him be because he is one of the greatest of all time and I’m nowhere there yet. I feel like there’s a lot of pressure on me being called Juice’s protege but I guess it’s a blessing and a curse. I do have my own career but he is one of the people who made me who I am today.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Charli XCX has hinted that her new album will be a dance record.
The 31-year-old singer songwriter recently previewed her new song ‘Von Dutch’ with a 20-second snippet on social media and revealed that her upcoming sixth album will bring her back to her dance roots.
She wrote on X: “i was born to make dance music…i came from the clubs..xcx6 is the album i’ve always wanted to make.”
Charli’s last album was 2022’s ‘Crash’.
She recently performed at Boiler Room, where she played ‘Von Dutch’ in full and previewed several new songs.
One of the songs was her tribute to DJ and producer SOPHIE, who died in 2021 at the age of 34 in a tragic accident in Athens.
Speaking to The Face about the tribute, Charli previously said: “There was a lot of distance between us because I was in awe of her and wanted to impress her.
“She believed in me in ways that I didn’t believe [in] myself. But I felt like I would never be interesting enough to operate in her world outside of the studio, which was the safe space where we could connect and bond over music.
“I didn’t feel like I was magical enough for this unbelievably magic person. And that makes me ashamed now I don’t have the opportunity to experience that anymore, because she’s gone. I feel ashamed for being a coward. It’s hard to write about. I’m sad for myself that I didn’t experience all this person had to offer.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Sir Mick Jagger’s solo work was like a “holiday” to him, according to Lenny Kravitz.
The Rolling Stones rocker, 80, had the ‘Fly Away’ hitmaker, 59, appear on his 1993 solo LP ‘Wandering Spirit’, on a cover of the Bill Withers soul classic ‘Use Me’.
Kravitz also co-wrote the song ‘God Gave Me Everything’ on Jagger’s 2001 record ‘Goddess in the Doorway’.
And when it was suggested that the ‘Start Me Up’ rocker felt “lost” making music without his Stones bandmates, he told MOJO magazine: “No, no, no. Mick enjoyed his solo time. For him, it was a holiday. We collaborated on Bill Withers’ Use Me for [1993’s] Wandering Spirit, but we wrote God Gave Me Everything on Goddess In The Doorway [2001]. I had the melody, but no words apart from a bit of chorus. He came to my Roxie studio in Miami. I mumbled some words.
He took a pen and paper and 30 minutes later had the lyrics.
“He goes into the vocal booth and starts singing from the top to bottom perfectly.
“I say, ‘My God, that was amazing,’ and he says, ‘We’ll get the real vocal later.’
He tried over and over again. Of course we used the original.”
The ‘American Woman’ singer gets his validation from the likes of Jagger and the late King of Pop working with him.
Asked if he feels “under-valued”, he replied: “First of all, I don’t need validation. I’m not that person. I know who I am. I know what I do and I feel good about it. Then I look at the people gravitating towards me, from Michael Jackson to Mick Jagger – they all called me, remember – the legendary folk who supported me and I know they get it. I could name 50 of them.
That’s my validation.”
Jackson and Kravitz teamed up on the track ‘(I Can’t Make It) Another Day’ from the ‘Invincible’ studio sessions, which featured on the posthumous ‘Michael’ album in 2010.
Jackson’s back vocals also posthumously appeared on Kravitz’ song ‘Low’ from his 2018 album ‘Raise Vibration’.

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OHMYGOSSIP — The Zutons say Amy Winehouse’s ‘Valerie’ cover was “a gift from God”.
‘Valerie’ featured on the English indie rock band’s second album ‘Tired of Hanging Around’ in 2006 but achieved worldwide success when it was covered by Mark Ronson, with lead vocals by Winehouse, in 2007.
And, frontman Dave McCabe said he is grateful the song kept his band relevant while they were on hiatus.
He told Radio X: “The way I see it, it was like a gift from God and I was there to receive it.
“The band was there to receive it… and some people are like, ‘Were you [annoyed] when she took your song?’ And I was like, ‘Well not really, because she just immortalised the whole thing.’ Do you know what I mean? Because it was a big song anyway, but that just took it to this whole new level.
“I think it’s in the Top 10 of karaoke songs. I’ve walked past boozers and you can hear people singing it and it’s like, we wrote that in that little room in town and here it is now. I don’t have any bad feeling about it. I did for a bit, because people would ask you about money all the time. […] That’s what I’d ask if I was in the other person’s shoes, so yeah it has made life easier and no it doesn’t do my head in.
“At the time it did my head in because we made a pretty weak third album after it and no one was asking about the songs on that, do you know what I mean? It’s just one of those songs though. It’s its own entity. It’s in the ether.”
Meanwhile, The Zutons announced their comeback in November, with their first album in 16 years, ‘The Big Decider’, set to be released on April 26, 2024.
The album is produced by studio wizard Nile Rodgers, and they have also reunited with original producer Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds.
It will mark the group’s first studio effort since 2008’s ‘You Can Do Anything’.
McCabe, said of working with the 71-year-old Chic legend: “Working with Nile was just an amazing experience, he gave me a confidence that I’ve never felt before making a record. He’s very laid-back as a person and a good listener. On the song ‘Disappear’, I wrote a spoken word piece about The Zutons travelling the stars and galaxies asking the most powerful question in the universe, ‘Why?’. I asked Nile if he’d read it out over the top of the end section of the song, thinking he’d just say no. But he jumped in the vocal booth with his chain around his neck and his sunglasses on and did about 20 different takes, all in different styles of himself. It was mind-blowing! It was as though he really does travel around the universe in some spaceship and just makes music in his spare time. He’s just one of the coolest people I’ve ever met.”
And on working with Ian he added: “It was great to reconnect with Ian Broudie on this record as well. He told me the demo of Big Decider brought a tear to his eye and that’s why he said yes to working with us again. It was one of the first songs we wrote for the album so getting that reaction from Ian made me feel like we were doing something right. The song spoke for itself.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Calvin Harris will quit DJing when he turns 50.
The prolific producer and DJ – who turned 40 in January – has revealed that he plans to stop performing and will focus on making music when he reaches his next milestone age.
He told UK radio station Capital Dance: “I always said that once I get past 50, I can’t see me DJing, man.”
When host MistaJam pointed out that British DJ Carl Cox is still doing live performances at 61, Calvin said: “It’s a certain type of DJing. On the more commercial end, it gets a wee bit… a little bit suspect.”
And, Calvin would prefer to stay out of the spotlight once he hits 50.
He said: “I think I’d prefer to be in the studio making tunes, like ghost producers. I think that’s where the majority of my talent lies, is making songs sound good. So, I would like to make other people’s records sound good.”
He also revealed he plans to work more on producing for other artists in the next few years, saying: “42, 43 — something like that.”
Meanwhile, Calvin and Ellie Goulding are set to perform for the first time together at the BRIT Awards with Mastercard.
The superstar DJ and the pop star are anticipated to perform their mega-hit ‘Miracle’ at the awards ceremony at London’s The O2 arena on March 2.
Calvin said: “Can’t wait for a VERY SPECIAL performance with Ellie!”
The pair previously collaborated on the dance-pop anthems ‘I Need Your Love’ in 2012 and ‘Outside’ in 2014.
The star-studded bash will also see Becky Hill and Chase and Status come together for a “celebration of drum and bass”.
The lineup includes Nigerian Afrowave superstar Rema, Jungle, Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue and RAYE.
Nominees include Arlo Parks, Blur, Calvin Harris, Central Cee, Dave, Dua Lipa, Fred again.., Jessie Ware, J Hus, Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Mahalia, PinkPantheress, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, RAYE, The Rolling Stones, SZA, Taylor Swift, and Young Fathers.
The BRIT Awards 2024 with Mastercard will be broadcast exclusively from 8.30pm on March 2 on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Wyn Starks has let fear get in the way of his ambition “too many times”.
The former ‘America’s Got Talent’ hopeful’s latest single, ‘Run’ – which he co-wrote with Fred Williams – was inspired by seeing friends return home to Minneapolis without following their dreams and admitted he could “relate” to their hesitation because he’s had similar thought patterns in the past.
He said of the song: “The inspiration behind ‘Run’ comes from seeing friends back home who never left their hometown, never put themselves out there into the unknown for fear of failure.
“I relate because too many times in my own life and career, I have let fear stop me from pursuing my dreams.”
Wyn previously spoke of how his 2022 stint on ‘America’s Got Talent’ helped pull him out of a “dark place”.
He told WSMV4: “I lost my twin brother at the end of 2020. And I was in a pretty dark place. I was trying to find what I was going to do with myself after that, and what music looked like for me. Because not having my twin brother here hit me really hard.”
The singer hopes to inspire other artists with his own journey of overcoming adversity.
He said: “Embrace all of you and learn to love. Sometimes, when I start to be hard on myself, I remember to just be kind and just be authentically you.”
Wyn’s new single, ‘Run’, is out now. Stream or download the track at https://wynstarks.lnk.to/Run.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Paul Weller has unveiled his new album, ’66’, featuring Noel Gallagher, Suggs and Bobby Gillespie.
The Modfather is set to mark his milestone birthday (25.05.24) with the retrospective collection and has given fans the first taste with the glam rock lead single, ‘Soul Wandering’, which features Primal Scream frontman Bobby.
Madness frontman Suggs features on the track ‘Ships Of Fools’ and former Oasis rocker Noel contributed to ‘Jumble Queen’.
Weller’s pals Dr Robert, Richard Hawley, Steve Brooks and Max Beesley also make appearances.
There are also string arrangements from Hannah Peel and two collaborations with French producer and artist Christophe Vaillant, plus Brooklyn trio Say She She added vocals to ‘In Full Flight’.
The former Jam frontman delves into topics including, “faith, changing circumstances and the fractured realities of life in this turbulent age.”
However, the overall message is positive.
The album arrives on May 24, the day before Weller’s 66th birthday.
Weller and his band are embarking on a sold-out tour this April.
Meanwhile, the ‘Going Underground’ hitmaker recently blasted the lack of productivity from younger artists.
The musician thinks the key to his long career has been a near-constant cycle of recording new music and touring and admitted he doesn’t “understand” why some musicians can go several years without bringing out a record.
Speaking on ‘Desperately Seeking Paul – The Paul Weller Fan Podcast’, he said: “Isn’t that part of the job description, that you go on tour and you make records? That’s probably an old-school way of looking at it, but that’s all it’s about really.
“I think it still applies. I think there’s something to be said for consistency and keep pushing it and pushing it and pushing it out.
“As opposed to a lot of the younger artists who make an album then don’t make another for five or seven years.
“I don’t understand that. I often think, ‘What do you do in those in-between years?’
“You can’t be on tour for five or seven years touring the same record, surely?”
The prolific star fears for the legacy of such acts.
He added: “Somebody like Amy Winehouse, who was a brilliant artist, she’s only left two records in the world.
“I think that’s why it’s important to put out as much as you can.
“Not just for the sake of it, not [rubbish], obviously.”

’66’ track-listing:
1. ‘Ship of Fools’
2. ‘Flying Fish’
3. ‘Jumble Queen’
4. ‘Nothing’
5. ‘My Best Friend’s Coat’
6. ‘Rise Up Singing’
7. ‘I Woke Up’
8. ‘A Glimpse of You’
9. ‘Sleepy Hollow’
10. ‘In Full Flight’
11. ‘Soul Wandering’
12. ‘Burn Out’

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OHMYGOSSIP — Vick Hope is proud that Britain is an “important musical force” in the world.
The BBC Radio 1 DJ thinks the impact artists from the UK have had on pop culture is astonishing and she insists that the music scene across the country has never been more vibrant.
Speaking to Stylist, she said: “If you look at the size of our country, in comparison to the US, and then look at our musical output, it’s honestly wild! We are such an important musical force and even though we’re geographically small, our music differs up and down the country with each region showcasing something a little different.
“I’m from Newcastle and the north east has such a rich live music heritage, but my brother lives in Liverpool and that’s a city that also has such incredible music and history. There’s so much going on.
“The importance and value of music can be undermined, especially by the people who don’t want to spend money on it. But it’s something to be nurtured and protected.”
Vick, 34, is working with Mastercard, which is celebrating its 26th year as headline sponsor of The BRIT Awards, to champion music industry trailblazers ahead of the ceremony.
Mastercard has unveiled a new initiative to celebrate and platform the next generation of music.
The organisation is shining a light on a group of trailblazing individuals driving positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion.
At a panel event held this week, the presenter discussed the future of music and the work underway to make music more accessible for all. The panel included Mastercard ambassador Young Athena, BRIT School Principal Stuart Worden, Orchestra Live’s Sooree Pillay and musician Elizabeth J Birch.
Vick – who is married to ‘One Kiss’ hitmaker Calvin Harris – said: “I feel so inspired by the individuals and organisations Mastercard has showcased today, all of whom are contributing to greater accessibility and inclusion in our thriving industry and are carving a path for a whole new generation of music makers and listeners.”
Kelly Devine, Division President for Mastercard UK and Ireland, added: “The UK continues to be at the forefront of innovation and it’s inspiring to see artists, producers and grassroots campaigners drive inclusion and embrace technology to create opportunities for the next generation to make and experience music in new and exciting ways. Mastercard is proud to shine a light on just some of these individuals ahead of what’s set to be another fantastic night at The BRIT Awards.”
The Mastercard music trailblazers are Geo Aghinea, Elizabeth. J. Birch, Kris Halpin, Joe Hastings, Gawain Hewitt, Sooree Pillay and Megan Steinberg.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Kings of Leon are set to headline BST Hyde Park.
The American rock band will perform in London on June 30, with special guests Paolo Nutini and The Vaccines.
Looking forward to the show, the band – which includes Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill, and their cousin Matthew Followill – said: “We can’t wait to get back to London and play at BST this summer.
“It is always a blast to play in the UK and we are ready to have some fun.”
The group first found success in the UK back in 2003, when they released their debut album ‘Youth and Young Manhood’.
Since then, they’ve won numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, three NME Awards and two BRIT Awards, while they’ve also performed at some of the world’s best-known festivals, such as Glastonbury and Coachella.
Now, Kings of Leon will join Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Kylie Minogue and Stray Kids at BST Hyde Park this year.
The Amex Presale begins at 10am GMT on Friday (23.02.24), while general sale begins 10am GMT on Wednesday (28.02.24).
Kings of Leon have relished performing in the UK over the years.
But Caleb previously admitted that their approach has changed over time.
Speaking to The Independent, he shared: “Back in the day we played 186 shows in one year. You can do that when you’re 19 and you’re playing 30-minute sets and you’re the opening band. And you can do that hung over.
“But when you’re doing a two-hour set in a stadium – my trainer says to me: ‘You’re like an athlete, a professional, and you have to keep your body in shape.’
“Although, I don’t think David Beckham would be drinking a glass of wine before a football match.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — Catfish and the Bottlemen have released their first single in five years.
The rock group recorded their new single, ‘Showtime’, in Los Angeles with award-winning producer Dave Sardy, who has previously worked with the likes of Oasis and the Rolling Stones.
The track reflects Van McCann’s evolution as a songwriter, and is the first song off the band’s much-anticipated new album.
‘Showtime’ has been teased online over recent days, and Catfish and the Bottlemen have now confirmed that details of their fourth studio album will be released soon.
Elsewhere, the band have announced plans to perform two headline shows during the summer of 2024.
Catfish and the Bottlemen will headline shows at Cardiff Castle on July 19, and Edinburgh Summer Sessions on August 24.
The band are also headlining the Reading and Leeds Festival main stage in 2024.
Tickets for the Edinburgh and Cardiff shows will go on general sale at 10am GMT on March 1.
Meanwhile, Van previously admitted to being hugely ambitious as a performer.
The songwriter also revealed that he’d been inspired by Oasis during his younger years.
The 31-year-old singer told the Guardian newspaper: “I want us to play stadiums. Not just arenas, but stadiums.
“If you’re in a band and you don’t want that it’s like saying you’re happy sitting on the bench at Liverpool. If I was gonna be a bin man, I’d make sure I was the best. You’re here one day and gone the next, so why not want to play in football stadiums?
“I remember going to see Oasis at Heaton Park when I was a kid and no matter where you were in Manchester, the vibe was Oasis. It was like a magnet had been dropped in the centre of the city and was drawing everyone in. That’s what I want happening with us.”

Source: IconInsider.com