Sophie Williams: Celebs Rumors

Paris Texas have compiled an exclusive playlist to accompany this week’s NME cover story.The LA-based duo features on The Cover this week (July 31) as we continue 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 Paris Texas can be read here.To celebrate, members Louie Pastel and Felix has curated a playlist titled ‘Essential Influences’, featuring songs from Dirty Projectors, Sleater-Kinney, Sam Austins and more/Listen to the full playlist below on Spotify, and here on Apple Music.Earlier this month, the duo shared their debut album ‘Mid Air’.

In paid partnership with DHL FAST-TRACKDHL have announced that their FAST-TRACK Sessions talent search will return for 2024.The opportunity is open to all artists and bands from across the globe and seeks to support emerging talent by offering access to a professional recording experience and music industry experts.The three winning entrants will receive session time at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles and Amy Winehouse, alongside modern icons like Frank Ocean have previously recorded music. During the three-day recording process, they will be joined by studio experts and engineers alongside Hannah V, a Gold-selling record producer and songwriter who has worked alongside Stormzy, Yola and more.A post shared by NME (@nmemagazine)Having previously teamed up with Jax Jones, this year’s DHL FAST-TRACK Sessions mentors are award-winning production trio Meduza.

NME’s latest star of The Cover, Karin Ann, has shared a playlist exclusively to accompany the story’s launch – check it out below.The alt-pop artist from Slovakia is on this week’s (March 25) edition of The Cover, a renewal of NME’s commitment to supporting emerging talent across the globe on a weekly basis. Every week, a rising artist will feature on The Cover – you can read Karin Ann’s profile here, written by Sophie Williams and featuring photography by Sam Keeler.Accompanying the story is an exclusive playlist of songs Karin has had on repeat lately, featuring The Last Dinner Party, Lizzy McAlpine, Taylor Swift and more.

Kacey Musgraves has revealed that she nearly fell off the side of a cliff while filming her latest music video.Speaking to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show this past week (March 14), the singer-songwriter recalled her near-death experience while filming for the ‘Deeper Well’ music video. The video – released a month ago – was filmed in Iceland, known for its scenic landscapes and breathtaking cliffs.“We picked literally the worst possible week to go,” she told Fallon. “It was high wind advisories — I almost got blown off that cliff.

Declan McKenna has opened up about the inspiration behind his new album, and likened it to Paul McCartney’s LP ‘Ram’.The moment took place during a new interview with NME, which saw the London-born singer-songwriter open up about his latest LP ‘What Happened To The Beach?’.In the interview, McKenna told NME’s Sophie Williams about how he approached the songwriting on the album in a different way to that of its predecessor, 2020’s ‘Zeros’ – no longer feeling the need to compete with his previous releases.He also explained how he drew inspiration from one of Paul McCartney’s lesser known albums – 1971’s ‘Ram’, which he released with his wife Linda.“Absolutely. They share a similar intimacy,” he responded when asked if the LP had an impact on ‘What Happened To The Beach?’.

Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Tate McRae and Will Arnett have been named team captains for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game.Yesterday (January 21), the NHL took to Instagram to announce the team captains for their upcoming All-Star Game, which takes place at the Scotiabank Arena on February 3. Four teams have been announced for the game, namely Team Matthews, Team McDavid, Team MacKinnon and Team Hughes.A post shared by NHL (@nhl)Team Matthews will be led by Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews and Justin Bieber, with the team’s defenseman Morgan Rielly as assistant captain.

Royel Otis have covered Sophie Ellis-Bextor‘s ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ as part of triple j’s ‘Like A Version’ – watch the duo’s spirited take on the classic below.Today (January 19), triple j shared Royel Otis’ cover of the 2001 hit, which has enjoyed a resurgence following its recent inclusion in the Barry Keoghan- and Jacob Elordi-starring Saltburn late last year.For ‘Like A Version’, acts participating typically perform one original track and a cover of their choosing for Australian radio station triple j. Royel Otis’ cover of ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ sees them do away with Ellis-Bextor’s inclusion of strings, but double-down on guitar.Watch Royel Otis’ cover of ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ below.Royel Otis are set to release a new album, ‘PRATTS & PAIN’ on February 16 via Ourness – pre-order your copy here.

Father John Misty has premiered a new song, ‘Corpse Dance’, live as part of his newly released live album, ‘Live at the Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel​-​by​-​the​-​Sea, CA 12​/​15​/​2023’.Recorded just days ago, on December 15, the live album features an 18-song setlist, including the unreleased cut, ‘Corpse Dance’. The newly unveiled tracks clocks in at over seven minutes.On the track, Father John Misty – real name Joshua Michael Tillman – croons: “She is patient/ The act of creation / May one day produce a happy man / Won’t have to do the corpse dance with these arms”Listen to the live debut of Father John Misty’s ‘Corpse Dance’ below.It is currently unclear if ‘Corpse Dance’ will feature as part of Father John Misty’s next project.‘I Love You, Honeybear’‘Nancy From Now On’‘Mr. Tillman’‘Ballad Of The Dying Man’‘Please Don’t Die’‘Goodbye Mr. Blue’‘The Dead Mouse One’‘We Could Be Strangers’‘I’m Writing A Novel’‘Total Entertainment Forever’‘Chateau Lobby #4 (In C For Two Virgins)’‘The Next 20th Century’‘Holy Shit’‘I Went To The Store one Day’‘Chloë’‘Hollywood Forever Cemetery Songs’‘Corpse Dance’ (unreleased, live debut)‘In Twenty Years Or So’Father John Misty’s 2022 album, ‘Chloë and the Next 20th Century’, scored a glowing five-star review from NME‘s Sophie Williams, who wrote: “‘Chloë and the Next 20th Century’ showcases what Tillman’s imagination can do when it is set free to explore new and unpredictable sonic paths.

Hayley Williams has announced a new range of items that will be stocked at her salon, Fruits Hair Lab, for the holiday season, including her favourite edibles.The Paramore singer took to Instagram stories to make the announcements yesterday (December 21). Her primary offering is the restock of her tea blends, which she created in collaboration with The Tea Huntress, namely “Bloom”, a caffeine-free blend of cinnamon, hibiscus, rose, and “other sacred herbs”, and “Alibi”, a chocolate green tea blend with peppermint.A portion of the proceeds from the sales of her tea blends will be donated to Thistle Farms, a social enterprise which enables female survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction to find employment.Aside from her teas, Williams will be selling physical copies of Fruits Magazine, a joint publication from Williams and Fruits Hair Labs co-founder Brian O’Connor, which inspired them to begin their business together, and incense from Shoyeido, which Williams claims to have “been burning for years” at home.Lastly, she has also announced that the salon will be stocking her “favourite” edibles from Los Angeles company Rose, which are served Turkish Delight-style using rosin from the whole flower.

Olivia Rodrigo has performed a tender rendition of ‘Guts’ highlight, ‘Vampire’, on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.The pop heavyweight appeared on Colbert on Monday night (December 18), performing the track surrounded by microphone props, and reducing her vocal delivery from her signature belt to a more vulnerable, whispery tone. Backed only by a piano and a string quartet, the latest rendition of the track sees Rodrigo’s vocals taking centrestage.Watch Olivia Rodrigo perform ‘Vampire’ on ‘Colbert’ below:Rodrigo’s performance on Colbert is the latest in a string of appearances she has made on American television to promote her sophomore album, ‘Guts’.

Sheryl Crow has revealed some of the life advice that she has shared with young musician Olivia Rodrigo.Crow and Rodrigo recently performed together this past weekend (November 3) for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame 2023 ceremony, where Crow was inducted into the illustrious hall of fame.Speaking to ET Online following the performance and ceremony, Crow spoke about working with Rodrigo and two pieces of advice she shared with the 20-year-old. “I mean, you know, I got to sort of lift her up a little bit, because she’s got a new record [out]… I know how hard the second record is, the sophomore.

Olivia Rodrigo will soon release all four of her “secret” ‘Guts’ tracks on a single record – find out more below.Last night (October 18), the singer-songwriter took to social media to share that her upcoming special vinyl for Record Store Day’s Black Friday celebrations will include four “secret tracks” that aren’t available on streaming platforms.Previously, the singer released four variants of her ‘Guts’ LP, each of which included one “secret” track. The Black Friday variant of the vinyl will for the first time include all four bonus tracks on one record.See Olivia Rodrigo’s post below.A post shared by Olivia Rodrigo (@oliviarodrigo)For the release of ‘Guts: The Secret Tracks’, Rodrigo has teamed with Jack White’s Third Man Records to press the four songs, titled ‘Obsessed’, ‘Scared of My Guitar’, ‘Stranger’, and ‘Girl I’ve Always Been’.‘Guts: The Secret Tracks’ will be made available in limited quantity on November 24.

Fontaines D.C. have announced that they will release a new version of their third studio album, ‘Skinty Fia‘.The band – consisting of frontman Grian Chatten, guitarists Carlos O’Connell and Conor Curley, bassist Conor Deegan and drummer Tom Coll – took to their official Instagram page to announce the brand new version of the LP along with its artwork.“We’ve got a new version of ‘Skinty Fia’ coming out called ‘Skinty Fia Go Deo’, which translates to ‘Skinty Fia Forever’,” read their Instagram caption.

Olivia Rodrigo and Phoebe Bridgers have opened up about their tour anxiety and the “scary” side of fame.In an interview conducted by Bridgers for Interview Magazine, the two singers discussed their tour anxieties. “I feel so lucky that I get to tour. I’m in such disbelief that people want to come and see me play my little songs.

In partnership with DHL FAST-TRACK SessionsThe three winners of DHL FAST-TRACK Sessions 2023 have been announced.After launching in 2022, the grassroots music initiative’s second edition attracted hundreds of entries from unsigned musicians, with international artists also being invited to submit their music for the first time.A judging panel made up of Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Jax Jones, gold-selling record producer Hannah V and NME’s Associate Commissioning Editor (New Music) Sophie Williams then narrowed down the shortlist to just three artists.Clara Pople, Amelia Rose and PIWA can now be announced as the winners of DHL FAST-TRACK Sessions 2023. The three artists each recently received the ultimate AAA experience of recording their own original music at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, with Jax Jones serving as a DHL FAST-TRACK Sessions mentor and Hannah V returning as the Sessions’ in-house producer.Speaking to NME about the experience, London-based singer/producer Amelia Rose said she was made to feel “super welcome” at Abbey Road.

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.

APPOINTMENTSRalph W Peer has been named MD of Peermusic Australia. Not to be confused with Ralph S Peer, his grandfather, who founded Peermusic in 1927, or Ralph Peer II, his father, who is currently Peermusic’s Executive Chair.

GAYLE has cancelled her forthcoming headline tour of North America, citing her struggles with adapting to the rigours of a touring lifestyle.The singer’s ‘Avoiding College’ tour was initially set to kick off on Saturday October 8, when she was due to perform in Oklahoma. Should the tour have gone ahead, GAYLE would have taken in a further 18 cities up until Friday November 11, when she would’ve played to fans in Fort Lauderdale.GAYLE announced the cancellation in a note posted to her Instagram Story, writing today (September 19): “Hey everyone, I am cancelling my tour that starts next month.

George Ezra has announced the cancellation of of his performance at Tinderbox Festival in Denmark today (June 24) ahead of his rumoured secret set at Glastonbury Festival.Ezra took to social media on Thursday (June 23) to apologise to his Danish fans, revealing that he has “come down with a nasty bout of laryngitis” and is undergoing “full vocal rest for 48 hours” per doctor’s orders.“I hate having to cancel shows but sadly this one is out of my control,” he added.Read Ezra’s statement below.So sorry to everyone who was planning to come and see me and the band at @Tinderbox_dk x pic.twitter.com/KWz6hgfKOS— george E Z R A (@george_ezra) June 23, 2022The news comes two days ahead of his rumoured secret set at the John Peel tent at Glastonbury on June 26 at 2pm. While his 48 hours of vocal rest will wrap up by the time June 26 rolls around, it remains uncertain if the supposed set will still take place.Last Sunday (June 19), rumours began circulating on social media that Ezra would be making a surprise appearance at Glastonbury after signs emerged online from Worthy Farm teasing that the ‘Gold Rush Kid’ would perform on June 26.‘Gold Rush Kid’ is notably the name of Ezra’s latest album, which he released earlier this month.In a three-star review of ‘Gold Rush Kid’, NME’s Sophie Williams wrote: “The effusive ‘Gold Rush Kid’ sees Ezra marvel at his status as one of the UK’s most successful singer-songwriters of the past decade – his debut recently went five times Platinum – with a title track that sees him awed by the unexpected nature of his situation.”George Ezra’s rumoured secret set at Glastonbury isn’t the only performance in jeopardy at the festival this year.

Rex Orange County has shared a new video for recent single ‘One In A Million’ – check it out below.The track is taken from Alex O’Connor’s recent album ‘Who Cares?’, which came out earlier this year and scored him his first UK Number One album.The new video features a “heart character” who sets their sights on making the singer’s life difficult as he goes about his daily business.

Father John Misty has shared the video for his ‘Chloë And The Next 20th Century’ track ‘Kiss Me (I Loved You)’ – watch below.The cinematic video is directed by David Raboy. It stars Annie Hamilton and Alexander Zuccaro as they spend the night at a bar as various drama unfolds around them.In a five-star review of ‘Chloë And The Next 20th Century’, NME’s Sophie Williams wrote: “Besides its flirtations with big band-style instrumentals, ‘Chloë And The Next 20th Century’ serves as a gorgeously crafted highlight reel of the singer’s many previous styles and guises, rather than a complete reinvention.“Much of it is delivered with a wink, and is as dramatically brooding as his past work; every track is vivid yet still quietly dark as it conjures various kinds of lamentation.”A deluxe edition of the new album includes a set of bonus seven-inch singles.

Father John Misty performed at the Barbican in London this week to mark the release of his new album,  ‘Chloë And The Next 20th Century’.On Thursday (April 7), Misty (real name Joshua Tillman) took to the stage alongside Barbican Associate Ensemble Britten Sinfonia – and conductor Jules Buckley – to run through a mixed setlist that included a number of tracks taken from his latest LP.He gave live debuts to ‘Chloë’, ‘Kiss Me (I Loved You)’, ‘(Everything But) Her Love’, ‘Buddy’s Rendezvous’, ‘Olvidado (Otro Momento)’, ‘Only a Fool’, ‘We Could Be Strangers’ and ‘The Next 20th Century’.The performance was live-streamed and has been made available to watch through to Sunday (April 10). You can watch it below.‘Funtimes in Babylon’‘Chloë’‘Goodbye Mr. Blue’‘Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins)’‘Kiss Me (I Loved You)’‘(Everything But) Her Love’‘Mr. Tillman’‘Disappointing Diamonds Are The Rarest Of Them All’‘Buddy’s Rendezvous’‘Q4’‘Total Entertainment Forever’‘Olvidado (Otro Momento)’‘Funny Girl’‘Only A Fool’‘Pure Comedy’‘God’s Favorite Customer’‘We Could Be Strangers’‘The Next 20th Century’‘I Love You, Honeybear’Encore:‘Nancy From Now On’‘Things It Would Have Been Helpful To Know Before The Revolution’‘Holy Shit’Encore 2:‘Date Night’You can read NME’s five star review of the concert here.Misty recently announced a series of headline UK and European tour dates for 2023.He will head out on a North American tour this summer; the European shows begin on February 25, 2023 in Oslo, Norway at Sentrum Scene and end March 17 at the at O2 Apollo Manchester.

Rex Orange County has scored his first UK Number One album with new LP ‘Who Cares?’.The Hampshire-born singer-songwriter (real name Alexander James O’Connor) beat off stiff competition from Swedish rockers Ghost, whose new LP ‘IMPERA’ landed at Number Two, to take the top spot.Rex Orange County’s fourth album follows on from the independently released ‘BCos U Will Never B Free’ (2015) and ‘Apricot Princess’ (2017), and the RCA released ‘Pony’ which landed at Number Five when it was released back in 2019.“Thank you to everyone who listened to ‘Who Cares?'” Rex Orange County said upon receiving the news about the album’s achievement. “I’m so happy to have an Official Number One album in the UK, where I’m from.