The ALB Festival has run annually since 2021, which originally celebrated the end of national lockdown. Emerging during the Corona Virus pandemic, the Anti Loo Roll Brigade (ALB) established themselves as a unified community group who provided a support network during the pandemic by providing education, food, gifts, additional support and PPE to local care homes and communities. However, since then, the ALB have brought communities together with their annual music festival, the ALB Festival.

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Ellis-Bextor recently witnessed a resurgence in popularity following the use of her 2001 hit ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ in new cult classic Saltburn, released in 2023. With the iconic disco-pop track’s re-emergence into the top 10, the singer has earned a prominent place in pop culture.

It was reported that Ellis-Bextor witnessed one of her busiest years yet in 2024, playing a total of 110 shows, and touring with the likes of Nile Rodgers and Take That. One of which saw the pop star as the leading lady to welcome in 2025 during the BBC’s annual New Year’s Eve concert.

The singer’s appearance at ALB Festival will be highly anticipated, the event’s organiser Peter Dutch stated: “Sophie is just incredible and is going to completely fit into our ethos of fu and partying and dancing”.

Taking place on September 13 and 14, Ellis-Bextor will have her headline set back to back with exclusive performances full of nostalgic hits from Pixie Lott and RPJ. With more act announcements on the way, attendees of the event’s second day will experience the exquisite sounds of Colchester’s Live 40 Piece Orchestra, alongside celebrating musical legacies with some of the Best Tribute Acts in Britain.

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Pixie Lott’s return to Essex will be legendary not only for attendees but for the singer herself, as it was only last year, she reminisced with BBC Essex on Chelmsford’s V Festival, which discontinued in 2017. She played the gig in 2014 and has urged for its revival ever since.

The nostalgic-pop that seems apparent in ALB’s choice of lineup this year proves to be an unmissable event for music lovers this summer.

Tickers for this year’s ALB Festival are on sale now and can be accessed here.

The Secret 7” initiative first launched in 2012, with the goal of amalgamating the interests of vinyl collectors and art enthusiasts by merging both artforms. Each year, seven different artists will release a different track which will each feature on 100 different 7” vinyl pressings. The 700 vinyls are all unique, as each sleeve is designed by a different creative, whether that be a renowned artist or a newcomer. Each version will only be available to purchase via auction, where the artist’s identity will be revealed after each record is sold.

Last year tracks from ‘War Child Present Secret 7”’ featured many legendary musicians: from Celeste’s ‘Stop This Flame’ to Paul McCartney’s ‘Pipes of Peace’ it was an unforgettable year for the initiative, as Aurora, Hozier, Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Chemical Brothers and The Specials all joined forces to raise money for the charity.

War Child presents #Secret7 is back!

This year you can design artwork for unique vinyl releases from @thecure, @frankturner, @GregoryPorter, @JessieWare, @keaneofficial, @scissorsisters and @SophieEB

Listen to the 2025 tracks and submit your design: https://t.co/OybXHXQrU5 pic.twitter.com/tO5NEu5v2H

— Secret 7” (@Secret7s) January 13, 2025

This year joining The Cure and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are Frank Turner, Gregory Porter, Jessie Ware, Keane and Scissor Sisters.

The forthcoming Secret 7” will include:

The Cure – ‘Warsong: Troxy Live 2024’

Frank Turner – ‘Be More Kind’

Gregory Porter – ‘Merchant of Paradise’

Jessie Ware – ‘Beautiful People’

Keane – ‘Black Rain’

Scissor Sisters – ‘Return to Oz’

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – ‘Devotion’ (Brand new exclusive track for War Child’s Secret 7”)

The unveiling of this year’s musical contributions for Secret 7” marks the opening of public submissions for each track’s artwork. All creatives are invited to submit their digital submissions between January 13 and February 28, here. Last year saw submissions from Stanley Donwood (renowned for creating cover art for Radiohead’s LPs), fashion designer Paul Smith, Gorillaz visual creative Jamie Hewlett and more.

Charlotte Nimmo, the Fundraising Engagement Director at War Child UK revealed motivations from this year’s Secret 7”: “This year has been horrendous for children caught up in conflict, but the money raised here will help us provide immediate emergency aid, and specialist long term support where it’s needed most”.

Continuing: “We pride ourselves on working with the best in music and creative arts to create something brilliant that ultimately changes the lives of some of the most vulnerable children around the world, and we can’t wait for everyone to see and hear, what has been created this year for Secret 7”. We are so grateful to the artists, both musical and visual, for supporting our work, and everyone that donates to help us do what we do”.

Secret 7″ brings together 7 iconic tracks from 7 of the world’s top musicians, each pressed just 100 times onto 7” vinyl.

Creatives everywhere are invited to reinterpret these tracks, producing 700 one-of-a-kind sleeve designs.

Find out more: https://t.co/JmnBcyvBHn pic.twitter.com/UXEh9gSkAQ

— Secret 7” (@Secret7s) January 13, 2025

This year’s Secret 7” edition reveals the music industry and War Child’s ongoing collaboration to raise funds for children in war stricken locations. Just recently Kate Bush released the anti-war animation ‘Little Shrew’ (which features her track ‘Snowflake’) to raise money for the charity, while The Lumineers are set to play an intimate gig at London’s Hoxton Hall on January 17 in partnership with War Child. The presence of music and art has been fundamental for War Child to bring their ethos and charitable initiatives into mainstream consciousness.

First established in the United States in 2007 and brought to the UK in 2008, Record Store Day has become a key date in the music calendar. More than 270 independent record stores across the UK—from London’s iconic Rough Trade to specialty shops like Maidinvinyl in Aberdeen—will participate. A store locator tool is available on the event’s website to help attendees find local events.

At its core, the day revolves around exclusive releases that artists create specifically for the occasion. Last year’s releases came from a wide array of artists, including Kate Bush, who offered a 10-inch vinyl of ‘Eat the Music‘ as the UK ambassador. The Cure celebrated the 40th anniversary of ‘The Top’ with a picture disc. Other highlights included Pixies, The Flirtations, Pharoah Sanders, Sun Ra, Young Fathers,  Soul Jazz Records, Paramore, and Sleater-Kinney, among others, with Rough Trade offering limited editions for albums like ‘This Is Why’ by Paramore.

Record stores will also host live music, DJ sets, and artist signings, making the day as much about the experience as the records themselves. Participating stores often feature performances from local bands, offering an additional layer of discovery for attendees.

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The event also underscores a broader trend: the resurgence of vinyl in the streaming age. In 2022, vinyl sales in the UK surpassed CDs for the first time in decades, and Record Store Day has been instrumental in this renaissance. It isn’t just a cultural celebration; it’s an economic lifeline for independent record shops. In 2024, the event drove vinyl to account for 37.2% of the UK albums market during its chart week, according to the ERA. Music consumption is at an all time high and limited-edition releases and increased foot traffic bring a vital boost to small retailers, while artists use the day to strengthen fan connections with exclusive offerings. As Drew Hill of Utopia Music puts it, vinyl is firmly “back at the heart” of music campaigns, benefiting both shops and musicians alike.

This year’s partners highlight the event’s growing cultural cachet. Collaborations include BBC Radio 6, long a champion of independent music; War Child, a nonprofit supporting children in conflict zones; and Studio by Miraval, who are home to recording studios where both Pink Floyd and the Cranberries have recorded albums in the past.

Whether you’re a lifelong vinyl collector, a casual music fan, or just curious about the charm of your local record shop, it’s a day to celebrate the tactile joys of music, from flipping through racks of vinyl to hearing the first crackle as the needle touches down on grooved PVC.

The disco-pop classic was used in a dance scene in the film’s finale, one of the most memorable moments of the twisted black comedy starring Barry Koeghan, Jacob Elordi and Rosamund Pike.

After Saltburn was released on Amazon Prime on 22 December 2023, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ re-emerged in the top 10. It peaked at number two on the charts and stayed there for five weeks. Ellis told the BBC, “It was over Christmas last year, we were at home, and just seeing the numbers going crazy for people interacting with the song on streaming and TikTok.”

Tik Tok helped to give a second wind to Sophie’s hit, with the ‘#MurderOnTheDancefloor’ hashtag garnering 43 million views on the social media platform. The track featured in more than 290,000 TikTok videos – including one from Ellis-Bextor herself recreating the dance scene from the film, racking up 4.3 million views.

@sophieebtiktok Heading into 2024 like… Happy Saltburn New Year! Xx #murderonthedancefloor #sophieellisbextor #saltburnmovie ♬ original sound – Prime Video

Darina Connolly, head of music partnerships UK & Ireland at TikTok, called the nostalgic hit an “undeniable banger”, praising the surge in popularity, adding that “We love that TikTok breathes life into classic tracks and has become a home for fans to share their appreciation for films of the moment like Saltburn.”

Sophie’s comeback didn’t only reward her with chart success and a boom in bookings. She made her US TV debut as the musical guest on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon and set out on her first ever headline tour of America. She also sung at the BAFTA’s, featured in DJ Peggy Gou’s Glastonbury set, and performed at the Royal Variety Show in front of King Charles. The sensation around the song also led to Ellis-Bextor being signed again by her former label, Universal, with new music on the way soon.

Yesterday, to cap off a thriving 2024, she held her own New Year’s Eve Disco on the BBC, with guest appearances from Jessie Ware, Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears, and The Last Dinner Party’s Emily Roberts. You can watch it here on iPlayer.

The story of her resurgence doesn’t end there, however. Part two of Princess Superstar’s remarkable comeback takes place this Saturday when she plays her first UK show in over a decade at False Idols this weekend. Having been nominated for ‘Best UK Clubbing Event’ at the Radio One dance awards, False Idols’ second event promises to fill out all corners of Drumsheds with Queer joy and fierce hedonism.

Princess Superstar will play the event’s giant main stage, X Room – The Temple, and she will even share a stage with fellow Saltburn soundtrack star Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The packed line-up is stacked with huge names including bimini, Derrick Carter, Horsegirl, Sonique and a DJ set from Self Esteem. Final tickets for the event are available here.

In her own words, Princess Superstar says, “I am beyond ecstatic to be back in London after 10 years away. The UK has always had my heart – and I can’t wait to rock on Saturday at Drumsheds!!”

It has been a long 20 years since Princess Superstar crossed over from underground favourite to mainstream superstar with the UK #11 hit ‘Bad Babysitter’. The original release of 2007’s ‘Perfect (Exceeder)’, a collaboration with Mason, was bigger still as it peaked at #3, but who could have predicted that it would go on to become so much more?

With her ‘larger than life’ charisma and charm, Princess Superstar has blitzed her way through seven studio albums as well as working with the likes of The Prodigy, Moby, Grandmaster Flash, Amy Schumer and Margaret Cho – not to mention mentoring a pre-fame Lana Del Rey.

The signs that she would be back in the spotlight should have been there, with Dojo Cat lip-syncing her track ‘Famous’ just last year – something which racked up millions of views just last summer.

Princess Superstar has always been a relentless tourer, both as an artist and a DJ, and one might find her anywhere from Coachella to Fuji Rock. One thing is for sure: it certainly won’t be more than a decade before she is back in the UK as she’ll play Warwick Castle on July 7th as a special guest to Mika before returning in August for Brighton Pride’s FABULOSO event.

TikTok is a short-from video sharing platform that allows content creators to use copyrighted music in their videos. This feature is central to TikTok’s appeal, with viral trends on the platform often featuring copyrighted music. One such trend involved Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ which became one of the most used tracks on the app after its feature in Emerald Fennel’s 2023 film Saltburn. As a result, the 2001 dance track shot up the UK top 100 as well as charting in the US for the first time. In light of TikTok’s reliance on copyrighted music, much of which is owned by UMG, the label has said: “Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.”

UMG’s open letter states concerns over artist compensation, the use of AI songs, a topic that UMG has been critical of before, and the poor moderation on the platform. Although all these issues are common on TikTok, the timing of UMG’s open letter would suggest that an inadequate licencing deal was the catalyst for UMG’s dissatisfaction with the platform. UMG stated that the social media company’s offer was “worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their [TikTok’s] exponential growth.”

The same day that UMG released their open letter, a representative from TikTok responded, saying: “Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.” TikTok’s response aimed to portray the platform as one that “serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their [UMG’s] talent.” Although it is true that artists often see an increase in attention from exposure on TikTok, this increased traffic is rarely sustained on a long-term basis.

Artists on TikTok are paid per video rather than per view. According to the music promotion company, SoundCampaign, artists with an 100% share of their own royalties receive $0.003 (£0.0024) per video that features their music. Artists receive no payment with regards to views on individual videos that include their work.

UMG has accused TikTok of “selectively removing the music of certain… developing artists, while keeping on the platform… audience-driving global stars.” In response to these poor negotiations, UMG has pulled some of its music from TikTok. Aiming for maximum disruption UMG has, at time of writing, removed both Drake’s and Taylor Swift’s official music from TikTok.

Universal’s actions have already been received poorly by many TikTok creators. TikTok creator Evan Cronin, who spoke to The New York Times today, has had music retroactively removed from his videos, making his content an “essentially a dead post”.

Artists have responded with their own reactions to the UMG dispute, with indie singer Beabadoobee acknowledging the removal of her work from TikTok. In her response, Beabadoobee posted a video that includes a version of her song ‘Talk’ played at two times speed in order to circumvent automated copyright recognition on the platform.

Whether this dispute reaches a resolution or not, it is clear that, for now, many of the world’s largest artists will have their music entirely removed from TikTok. With UMG having no current disputes with other short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, it remains to be seen whether TikTok creators will end up migrating to other platforms which have working relationships with UMG.

In 2019, Tramlines was acquired by festival promotion giant Superstruct Entertainment. Superstruct, after an acquisition spree that peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now the world’s second largest festival promoter. According to IQ magazine, the company currently owns 85 festivals across Europe and Australia, including the UK’s Boardmasters, Bluedot, and Truck festivals. Under the control of Superstruct Entertainment, Tramlines festival has been consistently securing big names in the UK’s alt scene. Announced today, Tramlines’ line up for 2024 continues this trend.

Headliners include Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini, English singer Jamie T, and Dundee alt-rock band, Snow Patrol, who will be playing on Friday 26th, Saturday 27th, and Sunday the 28th of July respectively. This is not the first time that the two Scottish acts have performed at the same event as both played at Hyde Park’s BT London Live, an event that promoted the opening of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Brighton indie rock band The Magic Gang, who have recently announced their decision to part ways, are on the festival’s bill. For those unable to attend the band’s farewell UK tour in May, Tramlines festival will be one of the last places that the group will be performing.

As well as acts at the end of their lifespan, acts who have recently found a new lease on life will be attending Hillsborough Park. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who has recently shot back up into stardom with the resurgence of her 2001 hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, will be playing in Hillsborough Park on Friday the 26th. As well as newfound fame, Tramlines will likely be hosting some newly released music. Off the back of their soon-to-be-released EP, Fantasies, London’s Bombay Bicycle Club will be performing at Tramlines. Since Fantasies is set to release on the 23rd of February, there is a chance that those at the festival will be some of the first to hear a live rendition of the upcoming EP.

With 25,000 people already signed up to the festival’s pre-sale list, tickets are sure to sell out fast. Presale tickets for Tramlines go live tomorrow at 12pm, so if you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so here. Weekend tickets will be available for £130, and day tickets will cost £45. Although it is likely that there will be some tickets available after the pre-sale, prices before and after the pre-sale period may be subject to change. Additionally, Tramlines does not offer on-site camping, meaning that accommodation for those from outside Sheffield will have to be organised separately.

On TikTok, the track has been used in a trend where people show of their luxurious houses, drawing a parallel to between their own home and the film’s Saltburn House. The use of the track, particularly on TikTok, where the average user is likely to have missed ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ the first time round, has given the song a new lease on life. Back in 2001, Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ peaked at the #2 spot on the UK’s top 100. Since Saltburn’s release ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ has climbed its way back up the top 100, finishing in second place last week.

Not only has the track from Ellis-Bextor’s debut album regained popularity domestically, but it has managed to squeeze itself into the US Billboard Top 100, taking the 58th spot. Unlike the track’s original 2001 run, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ is seeing popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. Speaking to Vulture about the song’s cultural resurgence, Ellis-Bextor said: “the song is actually providing all the momentum and I can just sit back and be like, “Wow, this is special, is really unique.””

Again, speaking with Vulture, Ellis-Bextor said: “luckily for me, I had already starting working on the new album”. For Ellis-Bextor, the stars have aligned, and her new project will release off the back of her recent success. According to The Mail this project has been signed to Ellis-Bextor’s former label, with a music industry insider having said: “Sophie has become a global star again. Universal, her old record label, have snapped her up and she will be releasing new music later in the year.”

For those wanting to see Ellis-Bextor live, she is performing in a few venues across London, as well as touring throughout Europe in March of this year. Whether you are a new fan, drawn in by one of the catchiest hits of the 2000s, or you are a long-time fan of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2024 is proving to be an exciting year for the star.

Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Anne Sulley, the three band members of The Human League excitedly made the announcement, futher fueling the anticipation and buzz surrounding the tour. Fans from all over the world expressed their excitement and eagerness to witness this disco party firsthand. With one fan commenting, “Cannot wait another years for this!! Love Sophie! See you in Manchester!!”

Cannot wait another year for this!! Love Sophie! See you in Manchester!!

— Lisa (@stockportgirly) November 10, 2023

Sophie Ellis-Bextor who is known for her early noughties pop hits such as “Murder of the Dance Floor” and “Groovejet“, will bring her infectious energy and captivating vocals to the tour. Additionally, T’Pau, led by the talented Carol Decker, will grace the stage with their powerful performances. With a number one album Bridge of Spies, T’Pau has left a memorable mark on the music industry. Their inclusion on the tour promises to bring their unique sound and unforgettable hits to the stage, such as the single “Heart and Soul“.

Kicking off in Cardiff in December 2024, The Human League will embark on a journey that will take them to various cities across the United Kingdom. Fans in Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Leeds, and London will all have the opportunity to witness this spectacular event.

The tour is expected to be a celebration of the band’s iconic discography. Hailing from Sheffield, England, the synth-pop band The Human League was formed in 1977 as an experimental electronic group. Two years later, they signed with Virgin Records and went on to win the Brit Award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 1982. The Band have produced esteemed hits that have stood the test of time such as ” Don’t you want Me” and “Mirror Man”.

Back in October of this year in an interview about how the band as maintained popularity, Phillip Oakley said “I don’t know why we deserve to have the luck that we have had, seeing as we’re not especially talented or wonderful or anything. But somehow, I think we just got in the right teams at the right time and managed to keep it going.” He continued, “I think that if there is one thing that we have done, it’s we’ve been persistent. Times when a lot of people might have given up, we didn’t give up. And we stuck it out and when any one of us was finding it a bit hard, the other two kept it going, and that’s why we’re still here I think.”

With the promise of a disco party and fun for everyone attending, The Human League’s 2024 tour is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets for the “Generations” tour can be purchased here.

The Human League Tour dates 2024

05/12/2024 – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff
06/12 – Manchester AO Arena – Manchester
07/12 – Utilita Arena Birmingham – Birmingham
09/12 – Brighton Centre – Brighton
10/12 – BIC Windsor Hall – Bournemouth
12/12 – OVO Hydro Arena – Glasgow
13/12 – First Direct Arena – Leeds
14/12 – Wembley OVO Arena – London

Rodgers co-founded the group Chic with Bernard Edwards in the late 70’s and has since gone on to write, produce and perform on records that have sold more than 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide.

“Thrilled to announce we’re bringing the ‘Good Times’ back across England and Wales in 2024!” Rodgers shared in a social post on October 23. “Mark your calendars because we’re gonna light up the night, celebrate life, and dance like there’s no tomorrow.”

Thrilled to announce we’re bringing the ‘Good Times’ back across England and Wales in 2024! Mark your calendars because we’re gonna light up the night, celebrate life, and dance like there’s no tomorrow.

Tickets are on sale 9am Friday 27th October at https://t.co/JR5Yx4J5oA

pic.twitter.com/m3fUkqAkdU

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) October 23, 2023

In addition to Nile Rodgers and Chic, British Pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and viral Pop band Deco will be supporting on the whole tour.

I’m so excited to announce that my band and I will be joining @nilerodgers and Chic as special guests on their Summer 2024 tour Ticket info: https://t.co/khh0P3yHW0 pic.twitter.com/ywUSdqkcn2

— Sophie Ellis-Bextor (@SophieEB) October 23, 2023

General sale tickets will become available this Friday (October 27th) at 9am BST. You can purchase tickets here. Presale tickets for all dates excluding July 13th (Dreamland, Margate) are available now and can be purchased here.

In other Nile Rodgers news, the musician recently featured on British New Wave band Duran Duran’s latest single “Black Moonlight”. This collaboration is not the first time Rodgers and Duran Duran have worked together, as the Chic co-founder also produced the “Hungry Like The Wolf” band’s 1986 album Notorious. When speaking of the collaboration, Duran Duran keyboardist Nick Rhodes said “Nile Rogers is a force of nature. When we get into a room, we start playing, and magic happens. Nile always says that CHIC is his first band, and Duran Duran is his second.”

Moreover, the band’s frontman Simon Le Bon added “‘Black Moonlight’ is this classic Duran Duran-Nile Rodgers collaboration. When Nile started playing his guitar in the studio, he really inspired everyone with his riff, and the song just kind of wrote itself.”

You can find dates for the upcoming Nile Rodgers and Chic 2024 UK tour below.

Tour dates:

16/06/2024 – The Piece Hall – Halifax
23/06 – Southampton Summer Session – Southampton
07/07 – Bedford Park – Bedford
11/07 – Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod – Llangollen
13/07 – Dreamland – Margate