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The tour which will come along with the release will include stops in Dublin, Belfast, Brighton, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and Newcastle, before wrapping up at London’s Roundhouse. Jade said: “This album has been years in the making, so I’m beyond excited that I can finally let everyone know when it’s coming out. I’m very proud of ‘That’s Showbiz Baby!’ as a body of work and can’t wait to share it with the world. To be able to perform the album live later this year is also a dream come true. See you all on tour!”

The title ‘That’s Showbiz Baby!’ has a lot of meaning for the singer as she has always been quite candid about her career. Indeed, the Brit was only a teenager when she saw herself rise to fame after winning famous show The X Factor with her girl band Little Mix, formerly including Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson.

Opening up during an episode of The Assembly, a major new entertainment series where celebrities are questioned by a remarkable group of inquisitive interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled,  she answered a question asking her if she felt like she had “sold her soul” saying: “You’ve trumped me?…? Maybe a little bit in the beginning. I was so young and I just signed on the dotted line. But as the years have gone by I’ve learned more and more about the industry. I’ve been collecting — a bit like [Marvel superhero] Thanos with the stones — I’ve been collecting parts of my soul back as I’ve gained more creative freedom.” The ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ singer songwriter admitted she thinks this is the end of shows like the one that made her famous, as they can’t see them going anywhere.  “I think it’s the end of that kind of TV show or music label. I think it’s the end of that era. But I don’t know if Simon Cowell specifically has ended.”  

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Speculations came all around Jade after the release of her single and who the lyrics were about, many people thinking they were about music mogul Simon Cowell.

She told Beat magazine: “It’s not specifically about that. But I wanted the song to be my journey, from entering the music business to now, and what that’s felt like. That’s why the song feels so chaotic. The opening is like the music to that montage bit on The X Factor after you’ve won, and you’re just catapulted into the industry.”

She added: “I don’t want to sit here and bash the last 13 years of my life. I’m very happy and content. But like with any job, there are highs and lows. That’s just life, and it’s my reality, but it’s about writing it in a way that’s not woe is me.”

You can pre-order ‘That’s Showbiz Baby!’ at Jade’s official website.  The tour pre-sale begins on May 21, with general on sale on May 23.

Jade’s 2025 tour dates:

OCTOBER

8  – Dublin 3Olympia Theatre

9  – Belfast Ulster Hall

11  – Brighton Dome

12  – Manchester Academy 1

13  – Glasgow O2 Academy

15  – Leeds O2 Academy

16  – Birmingham O2 Academy 1

18  – Newcastle O2 City Hall

19  – London Roundhouse

The 45th Brit Awards unfolded tonight, March 1, at London’s O2 Arena, celebrating the pinnacle of musical talent from the past year. Hosted by Jack Whitehall for the fifth time, the ceremony was marked by standout performances and notable victories.

Charli XCX won Song of the Year for her collaboration with Billie Eilish on ‘Guess’. The singer was against The Beatles, Dua Lipa, Myles Smith, and JADE in this category. In her acceptance speech, she said: “Thank you, this is cool. I’m pretty happy that a song about underwear now has a Brit Award.”

Charli xcx accepts the award for ‘Song of the Year’ at The BRIT Awards 2025. pic.twitter.com/d3bbkxVknc

— xcxshake (@xcxshake) March 1, 2025

The singer also won Best Album, Best Dance Act, Songwriter of the Year, and Artist of the Year, a total of five awards. JADE won Best Pop Act. Other nominees included Myles Smith and Lola Young. This marks JADE’s first solo Brit Award since Little Mix announced their hiatus in 2022. The singer also delivered a captivating performance of her debut solo single ‘Angel of My Dreams‘.

Sam Fender won Best Alternative/Rock Act against The Cure and also delivered a performance of his latest single ‘People Watching‘. The musician expressed his gratitude to his fans, acknowledging their pivotal role in his success. He further thanked his band, stating: “I want to say a huge thanks to my band, who without, I’m just a mad person shouting at walls.”

Sabrina Carpenters acceptance speech for the Global Success award at the 2025 #BRITs!pic.twitter.com/fCRHsgjA1K — Sabrina Carpenter Daily (@SCdailyupdates) March 1, 2025

Chappell Roan won International Song of the Year for ‘Good Luck, Babe‘. The track entered the Official Singles Chart Top 40 in April 2024. It peaked and remained in the Top 10 for 16 weeks and was the eighth biggest single of 2024 in the UK. The singer also won International Artist of the Year. Stormzy won his fourth Brit Award for Best Rap/ Hip-Hop Act and RAYE secured her seventh Brit Award for Best R&B Act.

Raye‘s acceptance speech for ”Best R&B Act“ at the 2025 #BRITs. pic.twitter.com/OQPvTaawXR

— RAYE Infos (@rayeinfos) March 1, 2025

A heartfelt tribute was paid to Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024 at the age of 31. The ceremony featured a video montage celebrating Payne’s life and illustrious career, from his early days on The X Factor to his monumental success with One Direction and his subsequent solo endeavours. The montage included performances, childhood photos, and personal moments with his family, all set to the backdrop of One Direction’s ‘Little Things‘.

As the 2025 Brit Awards came to a close, the night celebrated the very best in British and global music, with standout performances and unforgettable moments. The prestigious awards highlighted the diverse talent shaping the music scene, from breakthrough stars like Myles Smith to industry icons like Charli XCX. As the music world continues to evolve, the BRITs 2025 undoubtedly set the stage for another year of exceptional creativity and success.

Arguably one of the most exciting acts to be confirmed is JADE, who will be making her solo debut at the BRITs. This follows her performance of ‘Woman Like Me’ with Little Mix in 2019 and her last award at the ceremony in 2021, when the group won ‘British Group’ as a trio, being the first girl group to ever win the award. Following a monumental resurgence to the industry as a solo artist, the singer is up for ‘Pop Act’ and her debut single ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ is up for ‘Song Of The Year With Mastercard’.

Regarding the recent announcement JADE commented: “I’ve honestly manifested every day since the release of ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ to perform at the BRIT Awards. I cried when I found out. I can’t wait to bring a huge, chaotic pop moment to the BRITs stage!”

Joining JADE is this year’s winner of the BRITs Rising Star award, Myles Smith. The rising star is nominated in three major categories, including: ‘Best New Artist’, Song Of The Year’ with ‘Stargazing’ and ‘Pop Act’. Smith began performing covers on social media and now five years later will take the stage at the BRITs. His breakthrough hit, ‘Stargazing’, peaked at No. 4 on the UK Official Singles Chart and has over 640 million streams on Spotify.

When the announcement was confirmed, Smith said: “Performing at the BRITs is such an incredible honour, and it feels surreal to even say it out loud. To think I was sitting at home watching it last year, and now I’m performing the very next year… it’s just insane. Grateful for this opportunity ad can’t wait to step onto that stage”.

The Last Dinner Party have been confirmed alongside JADE and Myles Smith. The group were catapulted into the spotlight when their single ‘Nothing Matters’ gained considerable traction on TikTok early last year. Their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’ reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, selling over 32,000 copies in its opening week and was shortlisted for the 2024 Mercury Prize. The ‘Sinner’ performers have secured four BRIT nominations making them more than worthy performers at this year’s ceremony.

Singer-songwriter Shaboozey will also be taking the stage on March 1. The singers amalgamation of country and hip-hop, as seen in his hit track ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’, which achieved No. 6 on the Singles Charts, has earned Shaboozey a nomination in the ‘International Song of the Year’ category.

Shaboozey spoke on the news of his performance and nomination, stating: “I’m beyond grateful and humbled to not only be nominated for a BRIT Award but to take the stage. This past year has been huge for me with my records getting love from all over the world and now I can celebrate with my friends and fans in London”.

With euphonically powerful vocals which seamlessly blend R&B, soul and pop, Teddy Swims, concludes the first set of performers to be announced, and will be riding the wave of his continued success with a performance at this year’s BRITs. His debut album ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)’  features many multi-platinum hits including, ‘The Door’ and ‘Lose Control’, the latter of which features within the ‘International Song Of The Year’ category.

The five artists confirmed to be performing at the BRITs (thus far) summarise the previous year of music within the UK. With exciting announcements already made, stay tuned for more updates on this year’s BRIT Awards.

After making her debut last July with ‘Angel of My Dreams’, which focuses on Jade’s love-hate relationship with the industry, the singer likens her new single ‘IT Girl’ as “’Angel of My Dreams’’ c**ty little sister”. The upcoming electro-pop tune is another nod to Jade’s experience in the industry, especially surrounding all the judgement and critiques that have shaped her artistry.

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She revealed: “There’s still so much that people don’t know as me, so I was eager to surprise people, poke the bear a bit… I did feel anxious about pissing people off or any sort of backlash, but I have to write about what my experiences are – I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It is, you know, my reality”.

As the ‘Angel of My Dreams’ singer continues to cement her artistry as a soloist, it is evident she plans to establish herself as the next ‘IT girl’ of experimental pop. Thus far, listeners have encountered Jade’s creation of club anthems with ‘Angel of My Dreams’ and ‘Midnight Cowboy’ alongside ‘Fantasy’ a track with the funk and composition which feels reminiscent of Diana Ross and Donna Summer during their high.

Jade’s ongoing openness surrounding her rise to fame and relationship with the industry is considerably admirable. From having to develop such thick skin from a young age, Jade recalls after 14 years in the industry: “I don’t mind piping up or clapping back at people.”

This openness expands to her honesty on her bittersweet experience on the music-reality show The X Factor in 2011, which aired its final episode back in 2018. When delving into her emotions on the experience, she emphasised: “I don’t know anyone that’s come from that show and not had some sort of mental health issue on the back of it.”

She continued: “but also, even now, personally I’m conflicted criticising [it], because it changed my life. I was from a very normal working-class family up north, I had tried sending demos in to labels, I’d gigged all over, I was doing everything I could to make it, and I needed a show like that to give me a chance”.

When discussing her career regrets and what she would be doing differently as a soloist, Jade mentioned not speaking up about her heritage sooner. Prior to moving to London, her quarter Yemeni and quarter Egyptian heritage was never brought up, due to the big Arabic community in South Shields.

She recalls: “When I got put in the band and moved to London, all of a sudden everyone was asking where I was from… No one had really asked me that before, because people in my hometown just knew, so the idea of being racially ambiguous or white-passing was new to me. I thought, maybe it’s better this way, with me entering the industry… All I had seen was negative press about Muslim people, Arab people. I was scared to promote that”.

Now as a soloist, Jade is owning her heritage. In a recent cover of Chase & Status and Stormzy’s ‘BACKBONE’ with the BBC Live Lounge, Jade freestyled the rendition both speaking in Arabic and English about her heritage, as the oud drives the electronic elements from ‘BACKBONE’s’ original.

Jade’s concluded: “I’m so proud of my heritage now… I don’t think it’s ever too late to embrace who you are”.

As Jade continues to embrace her identity and experiences in the industry, ‘IT Girl’s’ arrival on January 10 will further cement the singer’s unique and compelling artistry.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/jade-teases-new-single-it-girl-and-reflects-on-her-bittersweet-rise-to-fame/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/rolling-stone-uk-awards-2024-music-winners/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/rolling-stone-uk-awards-2024-music-winners/#comments Fri, 29 Nov 2024 18:13:26 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=103392 The second annual Rolling Stone UK Awards was hosted at the Roundhouse, Camden last night, November 28. The 14 Awards celebrate the best in music, film, and entertainment. Last year, we saw performances from artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Louis Tomlinson, and The Last Dinner Party. This year, English Teacher, JADE, and Confidence Man performed. Let’s have a look at this year’s music winners!

The Song of the Year Award: Chase & Status, Stormzy ‘Backbone’

The song ‘Backbone’ is a collaboration between British rapper Stormzy and the acclaimed drum and bass duo Chase & Status. Released on August 8, 2024, it quickly became a massive hit, reaching the No. 1 spot on the UK charts. Stormzy is known for his influential role in UK grime, while Chase & Status, are celebrated for their contributions to drum and bass and UK dance music. Last year’s award went to PinkPantheress with ‘Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2’.

The Play Next Award: Brooke Combe

This category highlights groups and artists who have achieved success in 2024 and are expected to become bigger in the upcoming years, last year won by The Last Dinner Party. The nominees included Elmiene, Master Peace and Nia Smith. The winner, Brooke Combe, is a rising Scottish singer-songwriter  influenced by Motown, soul, and R&B who gained recognition through viral covers on social media, including ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, which became an anthem for Scotland’s football team in 2021. Her soulful voice and retro influences have drawn comparisons to artists like Marvin Gaye and Baby Huey.

The Live Act Award: Confidence Man

This award recognises performers (and their performances) who have left their mark in 2024. The nominees included Dua Lipa and Sugababes.

The Group Award: Ezra Collective

Ezra Collective is a London-based jazz quintet known for blending traditional jazz with Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop, and funk, creating a dynamic and genre-defying sound. Ezra Collective has received widespread acclaim for revitalising and broadening jazz’s appeal, particularly in the UK. Their debut album, ‘You Can’t Steal My Joy’ (2019), introduced their vibrant style and featured collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith and Loyle Carner. Their 2022 album, ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’, won the 2023 Mercury Prize, making them the first jazz act to achieve this milestone. The nominees also included Fontaines D.C and English Teacher.

The Album Award: Fontaines D.C. – ‘Romance’

The album ‘Romance’ by Fontaines D.C., released on August 23, 2024, marks the band’s fourth studio album and a significant departure from their earlier, post-punk-dominated sound.  The nominees included Charli XCX with the album ‘Brat’ and The Last Dinner Party’s ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’.

The Trailblazer Award: JADE

The Rolling Stone Trailblazer recognises individuals or groups who have significantly influenced their field by pushing boundaries and pioneering new paths. This award highlights not only artistic excellence but also the ability to inspire others and bring about meaningful change.

JADE is a British singer and songwriter best known for her tenure with the girl group Little Mix, which rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011. Following Little Mix’s success and hiatus, JADE launched her solo career with her debut single, ‘Angel of My Dreams’, released in July 2024. Her follow-up single, ‘Fantasy’, took a disco turn, influenced by artists like Donna Summer and Diana Ross.

The Breakthrough Award: English Teacher

The Breakthrough Award recognizes achievements such as standout performances at major festivals, achieving chart-topping releases, or gaining widespread acclaim within a relatively short time.

English Teacher is a British indie rock band that blends elements of punk, post-punk, and art rock. The band gained recognition with their debut single ‘R&B’ in 2021 and has been lauded for their creative and experimental approach to music​. Their debut album, ‘This Could Be Texas‘ won the 2024 Mercury Prize. English Teacher continues to gain attention as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging acts, celebrated for their ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The Icon Award: New Order

New Order is a renowned British band formed in 1980 by the remaining members of Joy Division after the tragic death of their lead singer, Ian Curtis. They emerged from the post-punk scene and evolved into pioneers of alternative dance music by blending rock with electronic styles, heavily influencing genres like synth-pop and dance-rock.

.@neworder are presented with this year’s Icon Award, supported by @westhollywood, for a fantastic 40-year career in which they have consistently broken new ground.#RSUKawards pic.twitter.com/jknuZ1J7uW

— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) November 28, 2024

The Record Label of the Year: Island Records

Island Records is a legendary music label founded in 1959 by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. After relocating to London in the early 1960s, Island Records played a pivotal role in the rise of reggae through artists like Bob Marley. The label also diversified, supporting rock, pop, and alternative artists, including U2, Grace Jones, and Amy Winehouse.

Festival of the Year: Brixton’s Wide Awake

The festival held annually in Brixton, London, is a relatively new addition to the festival scene. The event focuses on alternative, electronic, and underground artists, celebrating innovation and inclusivity in music. Wide Awake emphasizes sustainability, featuring eco-friendly practices and supporting local community initiatives. Its diverse programming spans music, talks, and arts, making it a standout cultural event in the UK.

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Tyla is a rising South African pop star who has gained international attention for her fusion of amapiano (South African dance music genre), pop, and R&B music. Her breakthrough came with the 2023 single ‘Water’, which went viral on TikTok and made her the first South African soloist in decades to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at number 4 on the Official Singles chart. This success led to major milestones, including winning the Grammy for Best African Music Performance and supporting Chris Brown on his European tour. In March 2024, she released her self-titled debut album, ‘Tyla +’ Doechii is an innovative rapper and singer celebrated for her versatility and distinct style. Rising to prominence with her 2020 single ‘Yucky Blucky Fruitcake’, she blends hip-hop, pop, alternative, and R&B influences into a unique musical identity. In August 2024, Doechii released album ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’, showcasing her eclectic style with tracks ranging from themes like mental health to empowering anthems. The project solidified her position as a boundary-pushing artist in the rap scene​. ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’, was inspired by her upbringing in Florida. JADE, also known as Jade Thirlwall, is a British singer and songwriter best known for her tenure with the girl group Little Mix, which rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011. Following Little Mix’s success and hiatus, JADE launched her solo career with her debut single, ‘Angel of My Dreams’, released in July 2024. Her follow-up single, ‘Fantasy’, took a disco turn, influenced by artists like Donna Summer and Diana Ross. JADE’s described her solo journey as a chance to redefine her sound and build a direct connection with her audience​. Her debut album should be released next year. “I think getting to do my own thing creatively is just everything… People understand who I’m trying to be as an artist and who I am authentically.” JADE said for Harper’s Bazaar Australia.

 

 

 

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The singer Raye is currently up for three Grammy awards and fans are awaiting the release of her postponed second album. Tickets for All Points East are nearly sold out but can still be purchased at the All Points East festival’s website, where more support acts are bound to be announced soon.

The singer prefaced the announcement acknowledging the newest surprise track was a gift to her fans until her next single drops.

I didn’t want you all to have to wait so long for music again MIDNIGHT COWBOY is a gift from me to you until my next single drops oh and there’s a visualiser out at 10am BST too pic.twitter.com/zKOF15c7T6

— JADE (@jadethirlwall) September 24, 2024

‘Midnight Cowboy’ proves to establish JADE as an artist to watch during the ascendence of her recent solo career, which commenced with JADE’s debut single ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ which was released in July of this year. Following the beginning of Little Mix’s hiatus in 2022, it is evident JADE has carefully planned a clear vision for her solo career which will inevitably establish her as the next pop it-girl. ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ and JADE’s latest track ‘Midnight Cowboy’ sound sonically different to one another, exposing the multi-faceted nature of JADE’s newfound solo career.The release of ‘Midnight Cowboy’ reveals an experimental side to JADE, as the singer attempts to cement her own artistry whilst adapting her skills from her experience in Little Mix. ‘Midnight Cowboy’ was released alongside an official visualiser for the track. The visualiser depicts energetic and alluring choreography to display JADE’s ability to provide powerful performances. It is clear JADE knows what her listeners want, and ‘Midnight Cowboy’ inevitably leaves fan wanting more. This latest track exhibits mindful efforts from JADE to build anticipation for her upcoming debut album. ‘Midnight Cowboy’ begins with an unexpected cameo from Doctor Who and Sex Education star, Ncuti Gatwa. Acting as JADE’s hype man, Gatwa’s contributions make the release of ‘Midnight Cowboy’ even more iconic.

nothing to see here. just hanging out pic.twitter.com/6q0duE2qFb — JADE (@jadethirlwall) September 23, 2024

Despite ‘Midnight Cowboy’ not being a single, instead a filler track whilst fans wait for the next single, JADE took to X (previously Twitter) to notify fans of her desire to keep them involved during her artistic evolution. The development of her artistry and the result of her hard work is certainly commendable given the release of ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ and ‘Midnight Cowboy’ which allows JADE to determine what genres sonically work for herself and her fans.  

it’s important to me that i keep sharing my artistry and hard work with the world, so i wanted to drop a track to hold you over until the next single I wrote this a while back in a 2022 session with @raye and Jonah Christian – I adore you both

— JADE (@jadethirlwall) September 25, 2024

When providing gratitude to all the hard work that contributed towards ‘Midnight Cowboy’, JADE revealed the track was written back in 2022 during a studio writing session with Jonah Christian and Raye.

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The surprise release of ‘Midnight Cowboy’ proves JADE’s desire to continually ‘wow’ fans during every step of her solo career. With the release of ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ and now, ‘Midnight Cowboy’, JADE is a visionary wishing to cement her solo artistry whilst building anticipation for her upcoming debut, which remains unannounced.