Comprising Adam Devonshire, Joe Talbot, Mark Bowen, Lee Kiernan, and Jon Beavis, the indie-rock outfit expressed their gratitude to fans for propelling ‘TANGK’ to the summit. With 85 percent of its opening week sales in physical format, the album also secured the top position on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart and the Official Record Store Chart, emerging as the best-selling LP in UK independent record shops over the past seven days.

Reflecting on their achievement, the band conveyed heartfelt appreciation to their supporters, acknowledging their pivotal role in attaining the Number One spot. “Thank you very much to all of you that’ve supported us, bought our album and got us to Number 1. It’s a beautiful feeling,” the band relayed to Official Charts.

‘TANGK’ surpassed competitors such as Paloma Faith’s ‘The Glorification of Sadness’ and Crawler’s debut album ‘The Mess We Seem To Make’ to secure the top spot. This latest triumph adds to the band’s impressive chart history, with previous successes including ‘Joy As An Act Of Resistance’, ‘A Beautiful Thing: IDLES Live At Le Bataclan’, ‘Ultra Mono’, and ‘CRAWLER’.

At the core of Taylor Swift’s concerts lies an enchanting spectacle of devotion and camaraderie. Fans, affectionately known as ‘Swifties,’ craft handmade signs adorned with heartfelt messages and partake in the exchange of friendship bracelets that serve as a symbol of the shared experiences and bonds forged through her music.

The museum’s quest for a Taylor Swift superfan goes beyond mere fandom; it represents a concerted effort to explore the intersection of music, art, and contemporary culture. The chosen advisor will have the opportunity to offer valuable insights into the nuances of Swift’s fan rituals and memorabilia, enriching the museum’s understanding of her cultural impact.

This exclusive advisory role presents a rare chance for passionate ‘Swifties’ to leave their mark on the cultural landscape. Successful applicants will collaborate closely with the V&A’s curatorial team, helping to shape the narrative of future exhibitions and collections. From analysing the symbolism behind fan-made signs to documenting the significance of shared mementos, the selected advisor will play a pivotal role in preserving Swift’s legacy.

Applications for this prestigious position are now open and those interested in taking on the role for the museum can send in their application via the official website. Alongside Swift’s fanbase, the V&A is also seeking advisors for a range of interests, including Crocs, drag culture, tufting, and emojis. The museum has already engaged with a select group of advisors representing various niches, and these grassroots experts bring decades of collecting experience, providing invaluable insights into their specialist subjects. Among the appointed advisors are enthusiasts with expertise in Gorpcore, Lego, Toby jugs, and Pokémon card culture.

In other Taylor Swift news, the pop sensation recently announced her 11th album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ set for release on April 19, 2024. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Swift’s recognition as the biggest-selling global recording artist in 2023, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

As Taylor Swift prepares to embark on her ‘Eras’ tour, the V&A Museum extends an invitation to fans to become part of a legacy in the making. Together, they will illuminate the cultural significance of fanhood, celebrating the enduring power of music to unite and inspire. Apply now and be a part of history in the making at the V&A Museum.

Minogue, whose illustrious career spans decades, last graced the BST Hyde Park stage in 2015, leaving an indelible mark with her performance. Minogue expressed her excitement about returning to BST Hyde Park, stating, “I can’t wait to return to BST Hyde Park this summer. My last appearance at this iconic event was in 2015 and it was a truly unforgettable experience. So excited to see you all again!”

Fans can anticipate a showcase of Minogue’s greatest hits, including chart-toppers like ‘Love at First Sight’, ‘Spinning Around’, and ‘Can’t Get You out of My Head’, alongside the summer anthem of 2023, ‘Padam Padam’. With the accompaniment of dancers, captivating costume changes, and a repertoire of timeless classics, Minogue’s performance promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the festival.

Kylie Minogue’s upcoming BST Hyde Park gig marks her first appearance at the festival in nine years, following her headline performance in 2015 while promoting her 12th studio album, ‘Kiss Me Once.’ 

Minogue joins a prestigious lineup of previously confirmed headliners including Shania Twain (July 7), Andrea Bocelli (July 5), Robbie Williams (July 6), and Stray Kids (July 14), with further artists expected to be announced in the coming months. Tickets for the event are set to go on sale next Wednesday (February 21)and are available here, with a pre-sale available on Monday (February 19), sponsored by American Express.

In addition to her performance at BST Hyde Park, Minogue was recently announced as the recipient of the BRIT Awards’ 2024 global icon award, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry. She is also nominated for international artist of the year and is set to perform at the televised ceremony on 2 March.

Moreover, the vocalist has claimed multiple awards throughout her distinguished career including three BRIT Awards, 18 ARIA Awards, and two MTV Awards. Kylie Minogue currently stands as the only female artist to achieve a No.1 album in five consecutive decades in the UK.

Her latest album, ‘Tension’, released in September 2023, received critical acclaim and features the hit single ‘Padam Padam’, which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Dance Recording. With accolades spanning multiple decades, Minogue’s forthcoming performance at BST Hyde Park serves as a testament to her enduring popularity.

Kylie Minogue continues to captivate audiences worldwide, capping off a triumphant year highlighted by her Grammy wins and iconic status in the music industry. Stay tuned for more updates on BST Hyde Park’s evergrowing lineup as the event draws closer.

With an illustrious lineup of artists representing the vibrant spectrum of Caribbean and African musical genres, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to attendees. Headlining the event are acclaimed performers such as Capleton, Busy Signal, Shy FX, and Iration Steppas. Joining them are talents like Cameroonian-American singer Libianca and the innovative dub sound system crew Channel One, enriching the festival’s offerings with depth and diversity.

In addition to these headliners, the festival further boasts a diverse array of performers, including the likes of Anthony B, Black Sherif, Ding Dong, Lojay, Queen Omega, WSTRN, Rage MC, Dubwise Jamaica, Ayanna Heaven, Kalia Goddess, and many more. This year’s festival showcases a full lineup of exceptional talent from various corners of the world, with esteemed acts like Jamaica’s Beenie Man, Shenseea, and Busy Signal also gracing the stage. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic display of musical talent, honouring the rich and vibrant heritage of Caribbean and African music.

City Splash Festival stands as a testament to the profound impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond, showcasing the abundant legacy of genres like Roots, Dub, and Dancehall while embracing the evolution of Jungle and Garage music.

Featuring seven unique stages offering “diverse sounds and vibes,” attendees can immerse themselves in a medley of musical experiences. Additionally, with over 45 Black-owned food traders tantalising taste buds (delivered in partnership with Black Eats LDN), authentic rum stalls, and engaging panel talks, the festival promises an immersive cultural experience.

Located in the heart of Brixton, Brockwell Park serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage, underscoring the area’s rich history and cultural significance. More than just a music event, City Splash Festival is a vital cultural melting pot that celebrates, amplifies, and uplifts Black music, food, dance, and style.

As anticipation builds for this year’s festivities, City Splash Festival promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the diversity and richness of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond. Tickets are available for purchase for the bank holiday celebration here.

Abigail Morris, Georgia Davies, Lizzie Mayland, Aurora Nishevci, and Emily Roberts, the driving forces behind the hit single ‘Nothing Matters,’ are adamant that their presence in the music industry should not be viewed as an anomaly but rather as part of a continuum of powerful female and non-binary artists.

Morris highlighted the irony of their situation, remarking, “The revealing thing is… people seem to be implying we’re doing something really new and groundbreaking just by being, you know, five non-male musicians when in fact, we come from a very long line and community of very powerful female and non-binary artists.”

“It’s just a shame that culture at large seems to be constantly blinkered to like, the fact that like, every few years, there’s a new study being like Breaking News! Misogyny in music! and it’s like yes, we know,” Morris added.

Georgia Davies echoed the sentiment, emphasising the need for structural changes in the music industry to facilitate the advancement of female and non-binary bands, stating, “In order for female and non-binary bands to progress up into that status, they need to be given the highest slots on festival lineups. To be given the chance to perform to a big crowd because without giving those slots to people who deserve it, we’re just going to keep seeing the same kind of legacy historically,”

In a subsequent part of the interview, the band was dubbed “the new queens of feminist pop” by the interviewer, prompting a discussion among the band members about the highly gendered language surrounding their success. They admitted it’s a “huge” burden to carry.

The Last Dinner Party, alongside fellow female musicians like Wet Leg and Clairo, has faced the recurring criticism of being dubbed “industry plants,” an accusation disproportionately directed at female musicians in contrast to their male counterparts within the music industry.

In a recent interview with Variety, Abigail Morris responded to the accusations by highlighting the organic connections the band had within the London music scene, explaining, “We all had friends who were in bands in that scene in London – I feel like that’s the only connections we had…. it is kind of old-fashioned, which is why I think people were like, ‘Something must be going on!’ No, that’s literally how the music industry works.”

The Last Dinner Party’s steadfast refusal to conform to industry stereotypes and their unwavering commitment to authenticity underscore the ongoing struggle for gender equality within the music industry. As they embark on their journey following the release of their debut album ‘Prelude To Ecstasy,’ The Last Dinner Party stands ready to amplify their message through an upcoming tour across the UK and Ireland later this year.

Boardmasters has dubbed Sam Fender one of the most-requested artists ever for the festival, and his appearance has been a topic of rampant speculation among fans. Joining other headlining acts Stormzy, Chase & Status, and Becky Hill, Fender is poised to fill the Saturday night headline slot.

This marks Fender’s third appearance at Boardmasters, a festival he first graced in 2014 at just 19 years old, playing on The View stage. Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Fender shared on social media, “I played in a little trailer, tiny stage at the bottom. It was almost off the cliff edge. I played Boardmasters more than any other festival, and now I’m going to headline it.”

The announcement comes hot on the heels of Fender’s collaboration with Noah Kahan on the single ‘Homesick’ and the release of his soulful track ‘Iris’ from the Jackdaw soundtrack. With his 2021 album ‘Seventeen Going Under’ still making waves, fans eagerly anticipate news about his third album.

Fender’s rise to headliner status is a testament to his skyrocketing success, marked by sell-out stadium shows, acclaim at major festivals across the UK and Europe, and two BRIT awards along with an Ivor Novello award. His 2021 release built upon the breakthrough success of his debut album, ‘Hypersonic Missiles,’ solidifying his status as one of Britain’s most celebrated musicians.

Newly joining Fender on the diverse Boardmasters 2024 lineup are other notable acts such as Courteeners, celebrating 15 years since their debut album ‘St. Jude,’ Declan McKenna with new album ‘What Happened to the Beach?’ on the horizon, electronic music duo Overmono, ‘Foundations’ vocalist Kate Nash, Cornwall’s own Wunderhorse, Irish indie rockers NewDad, and Scottish singer-songwriter Calum Bowie.

In addition to its stellar musical lineup, Boardmasters offers a plethora of activities and events, including surfing competitions, skateboarding exhibitions, and immersive art installations. With pre-sale tickets already available, fans are urged to secure their spots early. Last year’s sold out edition featured headliners Lorde, Liam Gallagher, and Florence + The Machine, drawing a crowd of 150,000 festival attendees.

With Sam Fender at the helm as the final headliner, Boardmasters 2024 promises to be “five sun-drenched days of surf, sounds & soul”, with a mix of established and emerging talents gracing the stages. From surf competitions to diverse music acts, the festival offers something for everyone. Secure your tickets here to ensure you don’t miss out on the excitement.

Among the new names announced are Colour Haze, Frankie And The Witch Fingers, Pest Control, Morag Tong, Borracho, Noisepicker, Gramma Vedetta, Lodestar, Kulk, Earth Tongue, Skypilot, Wolfshead, Weedsnake, Orsak Oslo, WAXY, Horndal, Silverburn, Fires In The Distance, Sleemo, Midwich Cuckoos, Akersborg, Grand Atomic, Voidlurker, Under The Ashes, and Fuz Caldrin.

The festival has also unveiled its day and stage splits, creating a roadmap for attendees to navigate the musical celebration across various venues in Camden, London. Desertfest London 2024 is set to span six stages: Electric Ballroom, The Underworld, Roundhouse, The Dev, The Black Heart, and Dingwalls.

Friday’s Electric Ballroom stage will be headlined by Masters of Reality, with support from Colour Haze and Frankie and The Witch Fingers. The Underworld will witness the seismic performances of Mantar and Raging Speedhorn, while The Black Heart hosts the psychedelic sounds of Brume and Alber Jupiter.

Saturday’s Roundhouse stage welcomes skate-punk legends Suicidal Tendencies after a seven-year hiatus from London, joined by Cancer Bats, Bongripper, Acid King, and the newly added Pest Control. The day promises a dynamic array of performances across multiple stages, featuring Maserati, Monkey3, Domkraft, and more.

The festival reaches its climax on Sunday with headliners Godflesh, Ozric Tentacles, Monolord, Ufomammut, and Ashenspire slated to perform on the Electric Ballroom Stage. Bat Sabbath, the Black-Sabbath cover band formed by Cancer Bats, will close out the weekend at The Underworld Stage after-party.

Desertfest London stands as the pinnacle of independent festivals in the UK, dedicated to Stoner Rock, Doom, Psych, and Sludge music, showcasing not only renowned acts but also emerging talents across the genres. The addition of Suicidal Tendencies, marking 40 years since their groundbreaking self-titled debut album, introduces an unprecedented punk-metal energy to the festival. Furthermore, Ozric Tentacles, the iconic psychedelic prog-rock ensemble, will join the celebration, commemorating their remarkable four-decade journey in the industry.

Weekend and day tickets are already on sale and available for purchase here, with Friday and Sunday day tickets sold via DICE and Saturday day tickets sold via The Roundhouse. All tickets provide entry to every venue affiliated with the festival.

Desertfest London 2024 promises to be a captivating journey through the realms of Stoner Rock, Doom, and Heavy Psych. A yearly highlight in Camden, the festival draws metalheads and free spirits alike. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration of heavy music and underground culture.

General ticket sales for the London and Manchester shows will commence on Friday, February 2, at 10 am GMT and are available for purchase here.

The announcement comes as part of her broader tour plans, which also include opening support for Hozier on his ‘Unreal, Unearth’ tour starting in July. These newly added UK dates are just a fraction of Howard’s extensive tour schedule. She is set to embark on a series of live performances across the United States from February to April, with notable appearances at Coachella in Indio, California, this spring, and the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee, in June.

The announcement follows the release of Howard’s latest single, ‘Prove It To You,’ the third track from her upcoming album ‘What Now.’ Produced by herself and longtime collaborator Shawn Everett, the duo experimented with Reason Drum Sequencer to formulate the dance tune. Speaking with The Line of Best Fit, Howard explains, “I wanted to write a fun four-on-the-floor dance track that makes you want to dance but at the same time lyrically looked at the complexities of being in a relationship. I love those songs that might not be exactly what they appear to be on the surface.”

Before the release of ‘Prove It To You’, Howard unveiled ‘Red Flags,’ a track standing as a testament to her ability to weave compelling narratives and deliver an emotionally charged performance. Preceding this, she unveiled the album’s title track, a spirited composition delving into themes of relationship uncertainty and longing, as encapsulated by the opening lyrics: ‘I don’t wanna confuse you for fulfilment, I don’t want to wonder what our love is.’ The album, already showcasing a strikingly diverse range of content, is set to drop on February 9. ‘What Now’ is available for pre-save/pre-order here. Notably, this project marks Howard’s first release under Island Records.

‘What Now’ will be Howard’s second solo venture, following in the wake of her debut solo album, ‘Jaime’, released in 2019. Named after her late sister who battled cancer as a teenager, ‘Jaime’ garnered critical acclaim, earning Howard multiple Grammy nominations including Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Song.

With an illustrious career that has seen her clinch 5 Grammy awards and receive 16 nominations, Brittany Howard’s artistic journey continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In 2018, Alabama Shakes, the band she co-founded, announced a hiatus, with Howard focusing on her solo endeavours. As fans eagerly await the release of ‘What Now’ and the opportunity to witness her live performances in the UK and beyond, Howard’s influence continues to resonate.

Catch Brittany Howard live at her UK dates below:

02/07/24 – KOKO – London

06/07 – Albert Hall – Manchester

FLASH WARNING LET’S RAVE pic.twitter.com/h1MSaiQD8J

— Charli (@charli_xcx) January 30, 2024

Joining Charli XCX on stage are the likes of A.G. Cook, George Daniel of The 1975, and Easyfun, with promises of more special guests to be revealed. The announcement came alongside a snippet of her new track, with a sneak preview of her upcoming album preliminarily referred to as ‘xcx6′, offering fans a glimpse into her ever-evolving artistic direction.

Scheduled for February 22, the highly anticipated Boiler Room event has already ignited speculation regarding its venue. While the location remains under wraps, rumours suggest a likely setting in London, these rumours beckoning the possibility of The Colour Factor in Hackney Wick. As excitement builds, tickets for Boiler Room events are notorious for being elusive due to their overwhelming popularity. Fans eager to attend can attempt to secure their spots by signing up for guest list access via the official Boiler Room website here.

In a recent text alert, Charli XCX personally invited fans to join the revelry, stating, “LET’S RAVE – BOILER ROOM 2/22. gonna play some stuff from the album. think i’m also giving away tickets later this week.” Those seeking updates and exclusive alerts can subscribe to text notifications by dialing ‘1-310-861-2831′, as advertised on the artist’s Twitter feed.

This marks Charli’s return to Boiler Room after her memorable live-streamed performance in 2020, where she showcased tracks from the pandemic-inspired album ‘how i’m feeling now.’ A groundbreaking project, the album was among the first major artist releases entirely crafted during the COVID-19 lockdown, reflecting 38 days of intense collaboration with her dedicated fanbase.

Charli XCX’s artistic endeavours extend beyond her solo career, as she is reportedly contributing to the upcoming Britney Spears album. Additionally, she recently announced her engagement to George Daniel, the drummer for the 1975 and her Boiler Room collaborator, via Instagram in November of last year.

Amidst her return to Boiler Room and engagement bliss, Charli XCX has also garnered a nomination for a BRIT Award in the Best Pop Act category, a testament to her enduring influence and innovation in the industry. Fans and industry insiders alike eagerly await Charli XCX’s resplendent return to the hallowed halls of Boiler Room on February 22.

These landmark performances will pay homage to the 25th anniversary of their 1999 self-titled debut album, affectionately known as ‘LP1′. In a statement shared via Instagram, American Football expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to be going back to the UK this summer / fall for a few very very special shows to commemorate the 25th anniversary of LP1! Outbreak passes are available now and tickets for headline shows go on sale Friday 10am (if you’re on the mailing list though look out for a link sometime this week…)”

Pre-sale tickets for the September dates will commence at 10 am GMT on Wednesday, January 31, with general sale starting at 9 am GMT on Friday, February 2. Tickets for the UK tour can be purchased here, while tickets for Outbreak Festival are already on sale here.

Formed in Urbana, Illinois in 1997, American Football consists of frontman Mike Kinsella, guitarist Steve Holmes, and drummer Steve Lamos. Despite disbanding shortly after their debut album, the trio reunited in 2014, releasing subsequent albums ‘American Football (LP2)’ in 2016 and ‘American Football (LP3)’ in 2019, further cementing their place in the emo genre.

Beyond their musical contributions, American Football recently made headlines with their purchase of the house featured on their debut album cover. This symbolic purchase, jointly orchestrated by the band, Polyvinyl Records, and collaborators, was spurred by the impending sale of the property. Located at 704 W. High Street in Urbana, the house has evolved into a symbol of the band’s identity and holds profound significance for both the band and their fans.

As anticipation builds for their UK tour, the acquisition of the historic house serves as a poignant reminder of American Football’s enduring musical influence and the milestone represented by their 25th anniversary.

Catch American Football live at the dates below:

• 30/06/24 – B.E.C. Arena – Manchester
• 11/09 – Rock City – Nottingham
• 12/09 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow
• 14/09 – Roundhouse – London