Rising Australian electronic DJ/producer Flume has premiered a new track, Intro. Unsurprisingly, the track is the first single from Flume’s forthcoming rerelease of his self-titled debut, and features the rap vocals of Stalley.
Check it out!
New music: Jake Bugg – ‘Slumville Sunrise’
Nottingham teenage singer-songwriter Jake Bugg has unveiled his new single Slumville Sunrise, the follow-up to What Doesn’t Kill You, and taken from the indie artist’s forthcoming second album Shangri La.
Speaking to Rolling Stone earlier, Bugg said of the new album, co-produced by Rick Rubin, “I feel like my voice has got stronger. I could tell in the studio even the second time in Shangri La from my first time it felt like it had improved.”
Shangri La is set for a 19th November release. Hit the iTunes button below to preorder:
Vote for your favourite album of 2013
We’re counting down on the best albums of 2013, and we need YOUR help! We know what we like, we know what the critics like, but what do the real listeners love.
Make your selection in the poll below – and of course let us know if we’ve missed out on your favourite album of 2013.
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HMV ready to fight iTunes war with new download service
Back-from-the-dead music retailer HMV launched their new digital download service last night; their latest (and some may call it their last) attempt to securing a slice of the UK download market.
Whilst available through their hmvdigital.com portal, the service has launched with mobile as its main focus, driving attention to the firm’s newly-released iOS & Android mobile apps. However, bizarrely, with this focus in mind, the organisation have failed to launch a mobile-enabled site (incredibly rare these days to fall at this hurdle), along with clear calls-to-action on their site to the various app-stores.
Anyhow, the focus on mobile is unsurprising; newly-appointed head of digital James Coughlan originally worked at Vodafone on their own digital music service, whilst new owner Hilco have not been quite regarding their focus on mobile.
The mobile apps additionally place a focus on music discovery, thanks to their Shazam-style ability to hear a track and download instantly from the online store. In their attempt to fuse the high-street with the digital world, HMV will be encouraging customers instore to snap the track through the audio-listening feature, instead of leaving to download via iTunes or Amazon.
It’s obvious that the challenge is going to be to make a dent in the market mostly dominated by the aforementioned players, Much like Microsoft’s Bing service, whom have stated in the past that there would be no way they could topple Google from the top-spot of search, we’re sure HMV don’t believe they can topple iTunes. However, as long as they listen and implement customer suggestions, they could be going the right way.
HMV’s main online service at HMV.com will be relaunched next week, in a revamped state. Speaking to CMU, Hilco chief Paul McGowan said “The new website, launching next week, together with a revitalised YouTube channel will start the journey towards enhancing the experience of interacting with the entertainment industry, an engagement that will be further increased by the massive ramp-up in the number of live events being held within our stores on an ongoing basis”.
New Beats By Dre advert unveils new Lady Gaga track ‘Do What U Want’, ft R. Kelly
Headphone brand Beats by Dre have premiered their latest advert, surprising Lady Gaga fans by using a 30-second unheard song as the backing audio.
The advert, which highlights the brand’s latest range of wireless and rechargeable headphones, features R. Kelly-duet Do What U Want, the latest single to be heard from Lady Gaga’s forthcoming album ARTPOP. What’s more, Gaga has announced that the song will be available to purchase as of this coming Monday (21st October) as part of the promotional trail for the new LP.
Take a watch of the new Best Buy / Beats by Dre / Do What U Want ad and let us know your thoughts; you can preorder ARTPOP below too!
Angel Haze unveils Jay Z ‘Tom Ford’ freestyle
US rapper Angel Haze has unveiled her freestyle to Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail track, Tom Ford.
The rap, over Jay Z’s infamous instrumental, is the latest instalment of Haze’s 30 Gold release series.
Take a listen.
Neneh Cherry announces new album, produced by Four Tet
Swedish singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry has announced her return to music, with a new album set for a February 2014 release.
The recording, Cherry’s first solo material in over 16 years, has been produced by Four Tet, and also features a guest appearance from another big Swedish pop export, Robyn.
Of the new material , Cheery said “It was a liberating experience, not endlessly trying to fiddle with the music, re-recording hundreds of times. These days it’s easy to create any effect or sound on a computer, it is much harder to get the rawness I think we’ve achieved,”
More as we hear it. In the interim, check out Cherry’s 1994 global smash duet with Youssou N’Dour on 7 Seconds, below:
Rare Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ photo surfaces online
A rare photograph of The Beatles taken moments before their infamous Abbey Road album-cover photoshoot has surfaced online.
Take a look below! We’re left wondering who that random lady is by the iconic four-piece!
Robbie Williams premieres ‘Go Gentle’ official video
Robbie Williams has unveiled the official video to his new single Go Gentle.
The track serves as the first single from Williams’ forthcoming jazz & swing-inspired new album Swings Both Ways, and marks a strong return to form for Williams (whom, according to sources, is said to be heading back into the studio with his ex-Take That bandmates in the first part of 2014).
Take a watch of the Go Gentle video and hit the iTunes link below to preorder Swings Both Ways, set for release on 15th November.
New music: Rihanna – ‘What Now’
Rihanna has unveiled the official artwork for her new single What Now, the fifth release from the star’s seventh studio album Unapologetic.
Arguably one of Rihanna’s strongest tracks, the release date of What Now is yet to be confirmed, however with a video already being shot earlier this month, it won’t be long until we start seeing the PR machine drum up!
Take a listen to What Now and let us know your thoughts.