mxdwn.co.uk » New Year https://www.mxdwn.co.uk all that matters in music in the UK Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:37:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1 Ring in the New Year with Jools Holland’s 2024/2025 Hootenanny https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ring-in-the-new-year-with-jools-hollands-20242025-hootenanny/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ring-in-the-new-year-with-jools-hollands-20242025-hootenanny/#comments Mon, 30 Dec 2024 20:13:26 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=104852 Catch the iconic Jules Holland’s Hootenanny on December 31 at 11:30pm on BBC Two, featuring an exciting lineup of performances including The Boomtown Rats, CMAT, JADE, and Jungle.

First airing in 1993, Jules Holland’s Hootenanny has become a staple of British New Year’s Eve celebrations. The program is hosted by the renowned pianist, bandleader, and broadcaster, Jools Holland. It blends a lively party atmosphere with outstanding live music spanning a diverse array of genres such as pop, rock, jazz, soul, blues, and folk. 

At the heart of the show is Holland’s own Rhythm & Blues Orchestra who perform alongside a mix of both legendary and emerging artists. Interspersed with the musical performances are celebrity interviews, short comedy sketches, and traditional elements like the rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the countdown to the new year.

Over the years, the Hootenanny has hosted music royalty such as Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Prince. While pre-recorded weeks in advance, the show is presented as a live event and delivers an authentic celebratory vibe to welcome in the New Year.  

This year, The Boomtown Rats are among the many acts performing on the show. Known for their high-energy performances and socially conscious lyrics, the iconic Irish band rose to fame during the late 1970s and 1980s. Their hits like ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and ‘Rat Trap’ place them among the new wave movement that blended punk rock with pop influences. After reuniting in 2013, they’ve continued to release new music and captivate audiences. 

Another Irish act to take the stage on New Years Eve in CMAT, or Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson. Blending country, pop, and indie influences the Irish singer-songwriter is known for her quirky, confessional songwriting style and theatrical performances. Her debut album, ‘If My Wife Knew I’d Be Dead’, released in 2022, features standout tracks like ‘I Don’t Really Care for You’ and ‘Every Bottle (Is My Boyfriend)’ which fans can hope to hear this New Years Eve. 

Formerly a member of one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, Little Mix, JADE has embarked on a promising solo career. Little Mix achieved immense success with six studio albums and numerous chart-topping singles before their hiatus in 2022. Jade has since released three solo songs in 2024 – ‘Fantasy’, ‘Midnight Cowboy’, and ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ – and hints at new music to be released next year.

The British modern soul and funk collective, Jungle, will also join Jools Holland on stage. Founded by Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland in 2013, Jungle is known for their infectious grooves and genre-defying sound. Their music is characterised by funky basslines, soaring falsettos, and danceable rhythms and has revitalised funk and soul for a new generation. The band were even nominated at the 2014 Mercury Awards for their self-titled debut album ‘Jungle’.

Other performers include Death South, Kathy Sledge, Ruby Turner, and Toby Lee, who will join Holland in the count down to 2025.

 

Jools’ Annual Hootenanny continues to be synonymous with New Year’s Eve in the UK, offering a musical alternative to conventional countdowns. With its blend of timeless traditions, star-studded performances, and comedic moments, it remains a joyous way to welcome the new year. 

Tomorrow, it will be available to watch on BBC Two, and festivities will continue until 1:30am New Years Day.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ring-in-the-new-year-with-jools-hollands-20242025-hootenanny/feed/ 0 Olivia Dean, Kenya Grace And The Last Dinner Party Included In BBC Radio 1’s Sound Of 2024 Top Ten https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/bbc-radio-1s-sound-of-2024-top-ten-acts-announced/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/bbc-radio-1s-sound-of-2024-top-ten-acts-announced/#comments Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:41:16 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=98274 The BBC Sound of 2024 longlist has been chosen by a selection of over 140 music industry experts, including Chase & Status, Mahalia and Olivia Rodrigo. This week, according to the BBC, there is news that it has been finalised. This award marks the potential of an emerging artist, with the ten artists chosen said to break through in 2024.

 The top ten acts are (in alphabetical order): Ayra Starr, Caity Baser, CMAT, Elmiene, Kenya Grace, The Last Dinner Part, Olivia Dean, Peggy Gou, Sekou and Tyla. From January 1, 2024, a countdown will kick off across Radio 1, counting down the top 5. The number one spot will be revealed live on Radio 1 on Friday, January 5.


Head of Radio 1, Chris Price spoke of his excitement about the gender dynamic on the list, mentioning “With so many female artists on the Sound Of list this year, I’m really encouraged about the next generation of festival headliners. The list is as diverse as ever, reflecting the genre-agnostic nature of BBC Radio 1, which has supported every single one of the acts on the longlist. 2024 promises to be a great year for new music!”

The countdown of the Top 5 will kick off across Radio 1 on January 1st, 2204. The winner will be revealed live on Radio 1 during a special broadcast on Friday, January 5th. An event will be hosted at Maida Vale by Radio 1 called ‘BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2024 Live’ on January 8 2024. There is an application for tickets which is now open on the BBC Show And Tour website – see here for details.

The competition dates back two decades, with the first BBC Sound of in 2003! Among the success stories, boasts Ellie Goulding, 50 Cent, Sigrid and last year’s winner, girl group, FLO.

BRIT School alumna, Olivia Dean has also been named ‘BBC Introducing Artist of the Year’ live on-air, after the ‘secret’ award was announced unknowingly to Ladies Room’ singer, Olivia in an interview with presenter Jess Iszatt. The artist humbly accepted the award, thanking the emerging talent organisation BBC Introducing for all their support. She commented “Thank you so much for all the support over the years BBC Introducing! You are such an important and valuable platform for up-and-coming musicians. From my very first gig at the Lexington until now – poof crazy! So excited to be your artist of the year!!”

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