The Backfires have built their reputation on the road, touring extensively with acts such as The Courteeners, The Criticals, and Phoneboy. Sharing stages with these well-established bands has undoubtedly left its mark on The Backfires, but their sound remains uniquely their own. Their music captures an infectious blend of the nostalgic 00s pop rock – made famous by the Killers and the Arctic Monkeys – with a fresh 2020s twist, offering soaring guitar work and driving bass lines that pulse with raw emotion. Embracing this 2000s edge in their promotion, the band offered fans the chance to win an iPod Nano preloaded with the album ahead of its official release.

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While the influence of their contemporaries is evident, The Backfires never fall into the trap of imitation. Their sound is crafted with precision and sincerity, blending addictive riffs, atmospheric textures, and a rhythmic heartbeat that makes their music instantly engaging. The guitars take on an almost vocal quality, intertwining with Alex Gomez’s lyrics to create a layered, immersive listening experience.

Bassist Matt Walter’s running bass lines and Max Wanduragala driving force on drums provides a foundation that is both melodic and powerful, driving songs forward with a restless energy that keeps listeners hooked. Meanwhile, Harry Ruprecht’s lead guitar work cuts through with clarity and emotion, adding anthemic touches that linger long after each track ends.

One of the standout singles from the album, ‘Replace It All,’ has already garnered attention from music critics, including a glowing review from Stuart Daley at The Pentatonic. He wrote that “The Backfires have created a solid foundation of their sound that is instantly recognisable with their energetic and powerful guitars, this song, along with other singles ‘Turn Off The Lights’, ‘Brighter Lights’ and ‘Dressed For A Funeral.’” The track dives deep into themes of redemption and emotional vulnerability.

“‘Replace It All’ is about surrendering yourself to someone else and letting them save you from your past,” explains guitarist Harry Ruprecht. “It’s how it feels to be lost at the end of the world, caught in between love and fear, needing to be rescued.”

The song’s driving rhythm and soaring chorus encapsulate The Backfires’ ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with anthemic rock energy, making it a highlight of the album and sure a fan favourite in live performances on their upcoming North American Tour. 

With ‘This Is Not An Exit,’ The Backfires have not only expanded their sonic landscape but have also set the stage for an exciting future. As they continue to write and perform, the band remains dedicated to pushing their creative boundaries while staying true to the authenticity that has endeared them to fans worldwide. The album is also available in a limited edition translucent blood-red vinyl, further solidifying its appeal among collectors and long-time fans.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or just discovering them, The Backfires’ new album is a must-hear for anyone craving rock music that is as heartfelt as it is electrifying.

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.

During the final, Jen & Liv showcased their vocal abilities with renditions of Whitney Houston’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ and Beyonce’s ‘Break My Soul,’ alongside Will.i.am, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and judges. The grand finale aired on December 30 and saw the duo surpass competitors Hope Winter, from Greenwich, Jolie Stevens, from Cardiff, and Callum Doignie, from Telford, to become the first group ever to win The Voice UK.

In the aftermath of their win, Jen & Liv took to Instagram to share their appreciation, stating, “Man…we are feeling beyond grateful for our time on @thevoiceuk. We have grown so much from this experience, as musicians and as women.”

From their humble beginnings as buskers to national acclaim, the win is a testament to the growing music scene of the North East. Speaking with the Northern Echo, Liv said, “The North East is definitely one for rallying behind its local artists. That’s something we have really felt since we started busking. Everyone is so supportive. The North East is just amazing. We can’t wait to get out there and make our music.”

Jenna expressed her sentiments in an interview with ITV Tyne Tees, emphasising the North East’s unwavering support for local artists, declaring, “There’s so much creative talent in the North East, and I think everyone always thinks it’s in London, so I think we all really need to rally together and get as much out there as possible.”

After concluding the filming of the finale in April, Jen & Liv have continued to busk in well-known spots across the North East, ensuring the secrecy of their victory until the episode aired. In addition, they have been working together diligently in the studio on their highly anticipated upcoming single, which is set to be released soon. Meanwhile, their current winning single ‘I’m Every Woman‘ is now available to stream and download on all major streaming platforms.

Dame Shirley told PA News, “Receiving the Order of the Companions of Honour is just one of the most wonderful feelings. Music has always been a constant companion throughout my life. As a young girl growing up in Tiger Bay, I would dream of exploring the world, never imagining that my voice would lead me to where I am today. Every step of my career has been about taking risks, believing in myself, and seizing opportunities.” She further added, “Singing is my passion, and performing brings me immense joy. Entertaining audiences for over 70 years has been an absolute privilege. My heart is filled with emotions, and I am truly humbled.”

Born as the youngest of seven children in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, Dame Shirley initially worked in a factory’s wrapping and packing department while performing at working men’s clubs on weekends. After touring the UK in various revues and variety shows, she achieved her first major success in 1957 with the calypso-style hit, “Banana Boat Song.” In January 1959, she became the first Welsh singer to top the charts with her single “As I Love You” from the album ‘The Bewitching Miss Bassey.’

Throughout her career, she has achieved numerous milestones, including being the first recipient of the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in 1977 and receiving the Freedom of the City of Cardiff. Her success has been unparalleled, with her records spending more time in the UK charts than any other British female artist. Between 1961 and 1991, she had an impressive 29 albums registered as best sellers. In 1964, she gained international fame with the iconic James Bond theme song, “Goldfinger,” and went on to record the theme songs for “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Moonraker.” In 1997, she achieved another notable hit with the Propellerheads and “History Repeating.”

She became the first female music artist to receive a dedicated stamp issue, marking a significant milestone in her career. The stamps showcased various iconic moments in her musical journey, including her performances at renowned venues and events. These included her captivating performance at the Pigalle nightclub in 1965, her memorable appearance in Bournemouth in 1974, and her electrifying presence at the BBC Electric Proms in 2009. Additionally, the stamps highlighted her powerful rendition of “World In Union” alongside Bryn Terfel during the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup in 1999, as well as her enchanting performance at the Oscars in 2013.

Furthermore, this powerful and sultry performer paid tribute to her extraordinary talent by releasing a limited-edition series of coins. These coins featured a design that showcased her name and silhouette, capturing her iconic arms-outstretched pose. The coin also honoured her connection to her roots with a depiction of the Welsh dragon, while the names of her three James Bond theme tunes were elegantly embossed on the coin’s surface. This commemorative coin serves as a timeless tribute to her remarkable contributions to the world of music.

According to reports, Charli XCX spent time in the studio earlier this year, working on one of Britney’s new songs. With the guidance and support of the iconic pop star, Charli XCX crafted a powerful and captivating track that is likely to make it onto the album. A source for the sun revealed, “Charli has a proven track record of writing clever pop songs. She collaborated with Britney earlier this year, and they have created something truly remarkable.”

@fckyeahcharli Replying to @nicky @Charli XCX playing Mind Your Business by Britney Spears & Will.I.Am @Britney Spears #charlixcx #britneyspears #pcmusic #agcook #charli #britney #mindyourbusiness ♬ original sound – CHARLI XCX UPDATES

This exciting collaboration comes on the heels of Britney’s recent musical ventures. Last year, she featured in a song titled “Mind Your Business” with fellow superstars will.i.am and Elton John’s “Hold Me Closer.” Notably, Britney and will.i.am previously worked together in 2012 on the hit single “Scream & Shout,” which showcased Britney singing with a distinct British accent. The dance-pop track was a massive success, selling over 3 million copies in the USA alone and reaching number one on nearly 30 charts worldwide, including the UK.

Britney’s temporary hiatus from music was due to her legal battle to be released from a controversial 13-year conservatorship, which finally came to an end in November 2021. Now, with her freedom restored, Britney is ready to reclaim her rightful place in the music industry.

Charli XCX has also made a name for herself in the music industry since signing with Asylum Records in 2010. She gained prominence with her collaboration with Icona Pop on the international hit “I Love It.” The talented singer-songwriter has worked with renowned artists such as Selena Gomez, Raye, Blondie, Gwen Stefani, and notably, Shawn Mendes.

Fans of both Britney Spears and Charli XCX can look forward to an incredible musical collaboration that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. With their combined talent and creativity, the upcoming album is bound to be a sensational success when it hits the airwaves in 2024.

Latitude Festival: Location, Henham Park in Suffolk
Date: 25-28 July
Headliners: Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, and London Grammar.
Alongside the music, the festival also offers comedy and theater performances, making it a diverse and vibrant experience. With a mix of stadium-quality shows and a variety of genres, including disco, dance music, and 80s vibes, there’s something for everyone at Latitude Festival.

Led by the bands Frontman Frank Carter and accompanied by the talented guitarist Dean Richardson, the band has gained a reputation for their electrifying live performances. Their music style, as described by Carter himself, bridges the gap between indie, punk, and rock and roll, creating a sound that is both raw and powerful.

In 2017 Carter described his genre of music to the BBC, Carter expressed his belief that punk is more than just a sound or fashion, but rather a mindset. This mindset is evident in the band’s music, which often tackles themes of rebellion, self-expression, and societal issues. He said “Perfectly fill the gap between indie, punk and rock and roll. Punk to me is not a sound, it’s not a fashion, it’s not a lifestyle. It’s a mindset. You either have it or you don’t.” Sounds from the band back in 2017, including the widely acclaimed track “Wild Flowers“, highlights on the insights shared by Frank Carter during his interview with the BBC.

The album Dark Rainbow, showcases the band’s ability to create a melancholic yet catchy tune. As described by Frank Carter himself, the song “Brambles” delves into the complexities of love, exploring the thorny nature of relationships and the dangers of becoming lost in them. With its heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies, “Brambles” is sure to resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level. The Singer said, “Brambles is a melancholic bop born from the bramble thorns of love we let grow around us until we are tangled with no method of escaping unscathed. Like our neural pathways become stronger and deeper with each unconscious action, the thorns of love hook deeper and the brambles wrap tighter until we are barely recognisable and even our loved ones can no longer comfort us or lead us to safety for fear of being cut and torn themselves. An ode to the passion of love and a warning not to get lost in it when you go looking.”

The band took to social media to share their excitement about the new video for the single, hinting at the fun time they had during its creation. They stated, “Don’t mind me, just dancing with Brambles.”

As fans eagerly await the release of Dark Rainbow, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes continue to push boundaries and defy expectations with their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics. With their energetic live performances and their ability to seamlessly blend genres, this band is undoubtedly one to watch in the rock music scene.

In addition to their new album, the band has also announced via their social media a UK tour to delight their fans. The band said, “Our new album, Dark Rainbow, drops on January 26, 2024. The first single, Man Of The Hour, is out now. We’re also pleased to announce that Dark Rainbow will be hitting stages worldwide. For early access to UK and Europe shows, pre-order the album from the official UK store. Worldwide General on-sale starts on Friday, October 6th, for worldwide access. Link in bio.”

Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes UK Tour 2024 dates, purchase tickets here.

06/02/2024 The Great Hall Cardiff Uni Students Union – Cardiff
07/02 – O2 Academy Bristol – Bristol
09/02 – Manchester Academy – Manchester
10/02 – Northumbria Students Union – Newcastle
11/02 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow
13/02 – O2- Academy Leeds – Leeds
14/02 – Wulfrun Hall – Wolverhampton
15/02 – Roundhouse – London
16/02 – Roundhouse – London 

The Smile is a super group made up of Radiohead singer Thom Yorke and the band’s multi-instrumentalist Jonny Greenwood alongside former Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner. The band released their last album, A Light For Attracting Attention, in 2021 after working on the album across COVID-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020.

The new album Wall Of Eyes, 26th January 2024.

The title track, Wall Of Eyes is out today and is accompanied by a video from film director Paul Thomas Anderson.

Pre-order the Wall Of Eyes album: https://t.co/wUccoMhTjO pic.twitter.com/3vX4y8Unul

— The Smile (@thesmiletheband) November 13, 2023

The band have already released the music video for the lead single and title track, “Wall of Eyes”. The video was directed by director Paul Thomas Anderson, famous for movies such There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza. Jonny Greenwood has previously worked with Paul Thomas Anderson, composing music for There Will Be Blood and Thom Yorke has worked with the director for the short film, Anima, which used music from Thom Yorke’s solo album of the same name. The new album also includes the track ‘Bending Hectic’, which the band had already released in a studio version form earlier in the year after debuting the song at Montreux Jazz Festival last year.

Jonny Greenwood has spoken about the possibility of a new album from The Smile earlier this year, as he said: “The frustration of having not had access to playing in a band for a couple of years [has] just built up a big backlog of ideas, we’re still firing off each other, and it feels productive. So, while that’s happening, we just wanna keep moving forward, I think.” The new album was recorded in Oxford and at Abbey Road Studios. The album is produced by Sam Petts-Davis, who produced Thom Yorke’s Susperia soundtrack in 2018. The London Contemporary Orchestra also appear on the album for string arrangements, which can be heard on the lead single.

The Smile will be on tour in the UK and Europe during March 2024.

Tickets for these tour dates go on general sale at 9am GMT Friday 17th November. Sign up here today for access to the presale: https://t.co/F3ErW6TLkx pic.twitter.com/8TXgaR4hMQ

— The Smile (@thesmiletheband) November 13, 2023

Alongside the album, the band has also announced a tour of the United Kingdom and Europe, a couple of months after the release of the album. The tour starts on March 7^th in Dublin’s 3Arena, before heading to Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The band then heads into the United Kingdom for a show at the Brighton Centre on March 18^th, and then heading to Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and finally finishing the tour at London’s Alexandra Palace on March 23^rd.

Tickets for the tour go on general sale this Friday (November 17th) and can be found here. Presale access tickets can be found here.

Wall Of Eyes Tracklist:

1. ‘Wall Of Eyes’
2. ‘Teleharmonic’
3. ‘Read The Room’
4. ‘Under Our Pillows’
5. ‘Friend Of A Friend’
6. ‘I Quit’
7. ‘Bending Hectic’
8. ‘You Know Me!’

Tour dates:

07/03/2024 – 3Arena – Dublin, Republic of Ireland
13/03 – K.B. Hallen – Copenhagen, Denmark
15/03 – Forest National – Brussels, Belgium
16/03 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands
18/03 – Brighton Centre – Brighton, United Kingdom
19/03 – 02 Apollo – Manchester, United Kingdom
20/03 – SEC Armadillo – Glasgow, United Kingdom
22/03 – 02 Academy – Birmingham, United Kingdom
23/03 – Alexandra Palace – London, United Kingdom

Announcing further dates on her Instagram, The Japanese House said “Last UK headline dates of ITEIAD. Pre-sale 10am Wednesday. Sign up on link in bio for exclusive early access.”

Check out The Japanese House’s announcement post on Instagram below:

Released on June 30, Bain dropped her second studio album In The End It Always Does which includes 12 tracks. Some of the songs in her new album include “Spot Dog”, “Over There”, “Indexical Reminder of a Morning Well Spent” and “One for Sorrow, Two for Joni Jones”. The album peaked at number 29 on the UK Albums Chart.

Listen to The Japanese House’s new album In The End It Always Does on Spotify below:

Amber Mary Bain, also known by her stage name The Japanese House, is a British indie pop musician who rose to fame through being introduced to The 1975’s Matty Healy. The singer was then signed to their label Dirty Hit.

She released her debut single “Still” in 2015, and went on her first tour as the opening act for The 1975 within the same year. Afterwards, she released three more singles “Pools to Bathe In”, “Teeth”, and “Sister”. Since then, she has released two studio albums titled Good at Falling and In The End It Always Does. In order to promote The 1975’s second album I Like It When You Fall Asleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, The Japanese House supported the band on their 2016 North American tour.

In 2018, The Japanese House released the single “Lilo” then announced a North American tour in 2019.

Watch the music video for The Japanese House’s single “Lilo” on YouTube below:

Following this, The Japanese House’s debut album Good At Falling was released on March 1 2019. Like many of her other singles and album, Good At Falling was co-written by The 1975’s drummer George Daniel along with American record producer BJ Burton.

Tickets for The Japanese House’s tour is available to purchase here.

The tour dates for The Japanese House’s 2024 UK tour are seen below as follows.

The Japanese House 2024 Tour Dates:

07/05/24 – SWG3 – Glasgow

08/05 – O2 Institute – Birmingham

09/05 – Roundhouse – London

10/05 – Albert Hall – Manchester

Now, the star has officially confirmed that new music is on the way. In a post shared on her Instagram, which boasts up to 88 million followers, the “New Rules” musician shared the cover art for “Houdini.” The post, which has over a million likes, took fans and other stars by storm.

Former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello wrote: “hot”, whilst Mexican starlet Eiza Gonzalez said: “Here she comes again!!” followed by a fire emoji. Popstars Normani, Tinashe and TikTok star Addison Rae, who released her debut EP in the summer, also shared their support by liking the post.

Fans of the “Levitating” star were also sharing their buzzing excitement over the news. One person commented: “She’s about to break the internet again, can’t wait!”, and another fan wrote: “BABY LET THE GAMES BEGINNNNNNN!” 

The star, who has mostly centered her music around disco and dance pop, spoke about what fans can expect from her up-coming album. In an interview with T Magazine, the star revealed that her latest record is inspired by “1970s-era psychedelia”. Meanwhile, in an interview with Vogue, the “Cold Heart” singer said: “I’ve definitely grown up. Overall, whether it’s sonically or in terms of the themes, I’ve matured. It’s like I’m coming into my power and not afraid to talk about things. It’s about understanding what I want.”  

Lipa’s upcoming third album will follow from the success of her 2020 record, Future Nostalgia. The album, which has more than 10 billion streams on Spotify, produced the hit singles “Physical”, “Break My Heart” and the lead track “Don’t Start Now.” The sophomore album received praise from critics and publications across the world and was ranked by GQ as the best album of 2020.

Listen to “Break My Heart.” 

Since then, the star has gone on to release droplet singles. In 2021, Lipa teamed up with Elton John and collaborated on the smash single “Cold Heart”, which won the Top Dance/Electronic Song at the Billboard Music Awards a year later. This year, Lipa released “Dance The Night” from the 2023 Barbie movie soundtrack, which also became another hit in the popstar’s discography.