The newest music news for you: 2012-12-02

Friday, December 7, 2012

Jennifer Nettles gives birth

Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles welcomed son Magnus Hamilton Thursday December 6.

The 38-year-old Grammy-winning country crooner and her entrepreneur husband Justin Hamilton are delighted with their first child together.

Mother and baby are happy and well.

The couple can't thank their loved ones enough for their encouragement throughout Jennifer's pregnancy.

'We are so thankful for all the prayers and support and are excited to take some time together as a new family,' Jennifer and Justin released in a statement to People magazine.

Jennifer is apparently relieved that her son has been delivered.

The star spoke previously about the difficulties she faced in her last trimester.

'I just feel good to rest,' she told the publication.

'[But] things are starting to get a little uncomfortable, if you will!'

Jennifer and Justin celebrated their first year as man and wife on November 28.

The pair wed in Tennessee in an intimate ceremony at sunset.

One Direction fears for Styles' Swift romance

Harry Styles' One Direction bandmates reportedly have a bad feeling about his romance with Taylor Swift.

The British pop star and American singer are thought to have rekindled their relationship recently. Taylor was even said to be looking for a home near Harry in the UK.

Harry's One Direction group members Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne are concerned about the affair.

'Harry's public romancing of Taylor has got the other lads all riled up,' a source told Radar Online.

'With Taylor's reputation for writing break-up songs about her exes, they think Harry could find himself in a spot of bother if it doesn't work out and his actions are setting them all up for a fall.

'They also think it is moving too quickly and both have busy schedules, so it's a difficult time for either one of them to commit.

'Harry's especially loved by the band's female fans and there is a feeling that by being so open about his relationship with Taylor he will only upset them.

'The boys are praying that when it does come down to it, he ends things amicably with her. Otherwise, they fear there will be hell to pay."

Christina Aguilera 'likes to be free'

Christina Aguilera is 'comfortable in her skin'.

The 31-year-old Beautiful singer generated headlines for her racy Lotus album cover, in which her hair covers her breasts and her naked body rises out of petals.

If Christina had a say in the matter, she would rather not be fully covered in clothes.

"I like to be free," she revealed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

"Sometimes, the less clothing, the better! I''m just comfortable in my skin and my body."

Christina met United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when the musician was honoured with the McGovern Award for her work to end world hunger.

The star was enthralled with the politician.

"She''s such a force in a room,' Christina said.

'She''s got that star charisma and everything about her. I couldn''t take my eyes off her, either, so it was mutual. Is that bad? I don''t know. Maybe I shouldn''t say that! I''m so inappropriate."

Bruno Mars 'evolving'

Bruno Mars is happy to 'weird a couple people out' with his new album.

The singer is preparing for the release of his new record Unorthodox Jukebox next week.

Bruno views the new songs he created as nothing short of a musical metamorphosis.

"It's not a risk; at the end of the day, it's me, so it's like either you like me or you don't," he told MTV News.

"I don't know if I've earned that. I don't know what people are going to think of this album; but I do know it's me, it's who I am. I am all over the place, because I'm a producer... I think it's a good thing to weird a couple people out and scare a couple people.

"Because this is the artistry now, this is evolving, and I've always looked up to artists that evolve. Michael Jackson, Kanye West, every album sounds like something different; it's because you listen to new things, you're seeing new things, you're feeling new emotions, you're dating a new girl. Everything is always different, so it always has to change and evolve."

Unorthodox Jukebox will hit the shelves December 11.

Alicia Keys 'excited' for Grammys

Alicia Keys is 'so happy' about Frank Ocean's Grammy nominations.

The R&B crooner worked with Frank on her single One Thing.

Frank has been nominated in six categories at next year's awards.

She couldn't be more excited for her friend.

"I'm so happy! I'm gonna tell him today cause I was in these rehearsals all day so they kind of came out, what last night or something, so by the time today I figured out kind of everything that was going on," Alicia told MTV News.

"I'm so excited for Frank. I think he's a really, really, really special artist for real. And I'm so glad that people are recognising that. I think this is going to be a really cool Grammy year."

Alicia's peer Miguel has also been nominated for five Grammys.

The star will ensure that she also extends her congratulations to the Adorn crooner.

"I'm gonna reach out to a couple people. I'm gonna reach out to Miguel," Alicia said. "I think that he's awesome."

Alicia has won 14 Grammys.

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on February 10.

M.I.A.: I wanted to change the world

M.I.A. thinks she was too "hyperactive" for university because she just wanted to "change the world".

The musician attended Central St Martins College in London, UK, where she studied art, film and video. Her friend Steve Loveridge comments she seemed "bored and frustrated" most of the time in the forward of a new book M.I.A. is bringing out, which focuses on her love of art.

The star admits she did struggle with aspects of her education.

"I was quite young and I was a hyperactive person with loads of ideas," she told The Independent's Radar magazine. "I wanted to change the world and was really inspired all the time, and it was really difficult for me to come into school and sit down and listen to theory that didn't really apply to my real life at the time."

Although M.I.A. initially thought she would build a career in the art world, she soon realised music was going to help more with her mission. The 37-year-old feared she would never be able to get her message heard unless she started writing songs and was thrilled when she won her first record deal.

She was determined not to forget about art completely though, with her self-titled book included photographs, collages and other visual ideas she's come up with throughout her life.

"It's been difficult. Or at least at the time it was; now it's more acceptable because technology is changing, but in 2004 when I was getting a record deal at XL, they would say, 'You've gotta choose if you want this or this,' and I always had to sort of sneak stuff in, and half the time not even tell them that I was doing it," she recalled.

Jack White: My shows aren't movies

Jack White has hit out at critics of his live shows, insisting people shouldn't expect to watch 'Gone with the Wind'.

Jack's performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York in September was slammed after the show ended abruptly and an angry crowd formed in protest. The former White Stripes frontman insists his performances are never planned and fans must prepare themselves for anything when they buy a ticket to see him.

'I think the first night, the mob had decided they're going to go watch Gone with the Wind. In these times, it feels like a lot of people think a rock'n'roll show is the same as going to the movies, that a ticket is an emblem of entitlement. Whether they know it or not, the crowd's in control of my show, not me,' he told the January edition of Esquire magazine. 'We don't have a set list on stage and people in the crowd find out a few songs in that that's what's going on. I want people to understand that this is not rehearsed. This is happening. In the moment. And you're part of it.'

The 37-year-old music star tailors his shows around the audience.

Jack likes to feed off the crowd and is very receptive to what they want to hear, but he also expects concertgoers to be enthusiastic.

'If I was playing in an old folks' home, and I played a couple of songs from the '40s and everyone clapped, and then I put on an electric guitar and played a Jimi Hendrix song and everyone started covering their ears, now I know the next song I do should not be electric and loud,' he explained. 'I saw, that first night, just hundreds of people straight-up not clapping. So I have no idea what to pick for the next song."

Simon Cowell: One D don't need Grammys

Simon Cowell says One Direction are 'not complaining' about their Grammy Awards snub.

The British boyband is signed with the music mogul's Syco Records label and has enjoyed great success worldwide.

However, teenage heartthrobs Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne didn't receive any nominations at the Grammy Nominations Concert Live! on Wednesday.

"No, you know what? You know what's more important? Fans, record sales, I've always said that. Maybe next year they'll get something,' he assured MTV News.

"Trust me, they're not complaining."

The boys certainly don't have much to worry about, as their new album Take Me Home has proved just as successful as their debut record Up All Night.

They are now busy promoting third single Kiss You from their latest musical offering and the boys promise fans they have a great music promo to look forward to.

"I think the whole concept behind the video is bigger than anything we've done before," Zayn teased.

"It's a whole idea and it's kind of structured, which is a little bit different than what we've done before in like a comedy way. It's really funny. We are just having fun."

Liam added: "There were proper sets and everything for this video, and there was a lot of hard work that went into it with the crew and everything."

As far as awards go, 2012 hasn't been a bad year for the lads.

The band scooped three awards at the MTV Video Music Awards alone.

Jennifer Nettles gives birth

Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles welcomed son Magnus Hamilton Thursday December 6.

The 38-year-old Grammy-winning country crooner and her entrepreneur husband Justin Hamilton are delighted with their first child together.

Mother and baby are happy and well.

The couple can't thank their loved ones enough for their encouragement throughout Jennifer's pregnancy.

'We are so thankful for all the prayers and support and are excited to take some time together as a new family,' Jennifer and Justin released in a statement to People magazine.

Jennifer is apparently relieved that her son has been delivered.

The star spoke previously about the difficulties she faced in her last trimester.

'I just feel good to rest,' she told the publication.

'[But] things are starting to get a little uncomfortable, if you will!'

Jennifer and Justin celebrated their first year as man and wife on November 28.

The pair wed in Tennessee in an intimate ceremony at sunset.

Noel Gallagher looks for live Blur collaboration

Damon and Graham are set to play Teenage Cancer Trust on the very same night as their former arch enemy and a join sing-a-long could be the nights closer.

Noel Gallagher is curating next year's Teenage Cancer Trust shows at the Royal Albert Hall and has been telling Xfm he may share the stage with Britpop rivals Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon from Blur.

It's the first time Roger Daltrey has relinquished line-up control for the annual charity event of which Xfm is the exclusive radio partner.

Noel has lined up Kasabian, Primal Scream and Ryan Adams for next March and the man himself will be taking to the stage on March 23 with Damon and Graham on the same bill.

Speaking to Xfm's Dan O'Connell Noel explained that he was after Blur from the offset.

"They were one of the first people that I asked - if Blur could do it - because Damon had always said that he'd like to do it, they've tried to get Gorillaz once or twice but could never quite make it work. It was a shame Blur couldn't do it.

He continued, "I dunno how they're gonna do it... I think Damon plays piano and Graham plays guitar and they'll do a load of Blur songs and everyone has a great night.

"I wouldn't be adverse to getting up with them and playing Tender though - that being one of my favourite Blur songs."

You wouldn't have imagined it possible 15 years ago - something Noel acknowledged.

"What would I have said in '97? There would have been swear words involved. Definitely," he told Dan.

"We're all older now. I've been on tour with Graham recently and I've met Damon recently... we're all old dudes from the past."

Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall takes place March 19 - 24.

The full list of gigs:

Tuesday 19 - Ryan Adams plus special guest Beth Orton
Wednesday 20 - An evening of comedy with Russell Brand, Noel Fielding and very special guests
Thursday 21 - Primal Scream
Friday 22 - Kasabian
Saturday 23 - Noel Gallagher and special guests including Damon Albarn & Graham Coxon
Sunday 24 - Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth

Thursday, December 6, 2012

LeAnn Rimes 'sparks health fears'

LeAnn Rimes' team reportedly fears the star could be "going crazy again".

The country songstress is currently embroiled in a very public bitter battle with her husband's ex-partner Brandi Glanville.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star shares boys Mason, nine, and Jake, five, with Eddie Cibrian, who had an affair with LeAnn while married to Brandi.

LeAnn - who married Eddie last year - has been accused by Brandi of having a "severe" eating disorder and endangering her children.

Sources say Brandi is close to taking action over her claims, with an insider telling the New York Daily News that a battle will "prove difficult because Glanville doesn't want to hurt Cibrian, whom she believes is a 'good father'."

'Everyone that manages LeAnn, everyone who knows her, says she is going crazy again,' the source added. 'Brandi is always kept in the dark. All of the Twitter, rehab nonsense Brandi just doesn't understand. How could she go perform concerts from there? Nothing is clear.'

LeAnn entered rehab over the summer due to 'stress and exhaustion," but left after just one week to perform a series of shows in California.

Yesterday Brandi accused LeAnn of being 'unstable' and says she fears for her sons' safety in a bombshell interview with Us Weekly.

"I see this ending badly - I see someone getting hurt. She's not healthy. And until she's healthy, I don't want her around my children by herself," she said.

"She has [a laxative] in every purse. Mason found one on the floor and thought it was a Skittle! They don't keep sugar in the house. He thought he finally found candy! He gets extremely sick, and that freaks me the f**k out."

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Mumford & Sons and Rihanna to headline T20

T in the Park are thrilled to reveal that Mumford & Sons and Rihanna will headline T20, with The Script, alt-J, Paloma Faith, Jake Bugg and Of Monsters and Men also joining the bill.

T20 is already shaping up to be a truly stellar affair and an unmissable weekend, and music lovers don't have to wait long before they can get their hands on the ultimate festival ticket of 2013 as a limited batch of T in the Park tickets will go on sale this Friday from 9am at 2012 prices here.

Converting a whole new generation to folk-informed music with their five million selling debut release Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons returned in 2012 with its follow-up Babel - the number 1 album which has become the fastest selling album of the year in both the UK and US. A phenomenal live band, Mumford & Sons will headline T in the Park's 20th year, with what promises to be a hotly anticipated performance.

For regular T in the Park news, check out www.facebook.com/tinthepark and follow on Twitter @Tinthepark

Michael Buble thrilled with Witherspoon duet

Michael Buble is 'thrilled' Reese Witherspoon has agreed to duet with him.
In October there was speculation that the Oscar-winning actress was considering singing with Michael for his new album. Michael has now confirmed the rumours are true and they will be working together next year.
'By all accounts that would be true, yeah,' he told UK TV show Daybreak when asked about his reported duet with Reese. 'I am a big fan, so myself and my camp wanted to do this with her and we were thrilled that she was excited about it too. That will be a studio album next year.'
Michael has been busy this year and 2013 looks equally as hectic. Along with working on a new record, the 37-year-old star is also going on tour.
Although Michael still feels passionate about his music, he insists that once he has children with his wife, Argentine actress-and-model Luisana Lopilato, he will want to spend more time at home.
'It can't always be like that,' he replied when asked if his work schedule is already mapped out for next year. 'I won't allow it to be like that because when I do have children my priority will be my family. My priority already is my family and I have been on that treadmill and I will continue for a couple of years and it's not like I am going to stop but I will definitely slow down the pace so that I don't have to hate myself for not being there for my family.'
Michael travels all around the world performing live and promoting his new material, while Luisana is also busy with her acting career.
The Italian Canadian crooner insists married life is 'great' but admits that maintaining a long distance relationship can be tough.
Michael makes the most of any time he spends with Luisana, and goes to any length to ensure he makes her happy.
'We are definitely apart quite a bit, but I try to hang out with her as much as possible,' he explained. 'When she is on set making a movie I go down there and my job is to rub her feet and bring her coffee, basically.'

Sharon Osbourne expects Kelly wedding

Sharon Osbourne wouldn't be surprised if her daughter Kelly "married tomorrow".
TV star Kelly is dating Matthew Mosshart and has publicly declared her love for him. Her mother Sharon is thrilled with her daughter's current boyfriend and has no problem about them being so serious.
"She's so happy she could get married tomorrow!" Sharon told Heat magazine. "Nothing surprises me with my daughter, she's not predictable. She's never been happier - you can always tell by her eyes. She's got really shiny eyes at the moment, so she's happy."
Sharon's son Jack became a father for the first time earlier this year, when his now wife Lisa gave birth to their daughter Pearl. Kelly loves being an aunt and Sharon has delighted in seeing her daughter dote on the little girl.
"Oh my God, yes," she replied, when asked if Kelly is broody. "You can't help but feel broody when you see that little butterball - you just want to eat her! I think Kelly wants to end up with ten babies. One day it will definitely happen."
Sharon also called Matthew a "lovely guy" in the interview and spoke about her Christmas plans.
The Osbourne family will be celebrating in different places this year as Kelly and Matthew have plans and Jack and Lisa will be with her family.
The clan will come together for a big New Year party though.

Rihanna 'to take time off for baby'

Rihanna has apparently asked her record label for 'time off' so she can have a baby with Chris Brown.

The pair split in 2009 after Chris was convicted of assaulting Rihanna, but they seem to have rekindled their relationship, with the Diamonds singer posting snaps of herself and Chris on Twitter.

Now friends say the 24-year-old is keen to start a family with the controversial singer.

'She asked her record company when the best time would be for her to take off, as she wants a baby,' an insider divulged to British magazine Closer.

'They just stared at her. Everyone was pretty open-mouthed. But she hasn't got any time free in her diary until 2014.'

While Rihanna's dad Ronald Fenty has publicly said he supports his daughter's decision to reunite with Chris, her mother Monica Braithwaite doesn't seem quite so sure.

Monica has apparently been reaching out to the singer to try and talk her out of a relationship with Chris.

'She called Rihanna to yell at her, asking what she's doing with her life,' a source explained.

'They've been blowing up over the Chris issue for weeks now. Her mom has told her not to waste any time on Chris and said, 'Is this the type of man you want as your baby's dad? He's acting just like your dad used to.''

Rihanna has previously revealed that Ronald struggled with alcohol and drug addiction and was abusive to her mother.

However, Monica's comments allegedly haven't got through to the singer.

Rihanna has allegedly told friends to keep New Year's Eve free, with friends convinced the couple are planning a surprise wedding on that date.

'This has made Rihanna even more determined to marry him,' the source sighed.

Meanwhile, Chris has made a return to Twitter with a reflective message.

The singer simply wrote '#CarpeDiem' on his page on Monday, marking his social media comeback after a bitter feud with comedienne Jenny Johnson about Rihanna.

Rob Kardashian makes Ora pregnancy claim

Rob Kardashian has claimed that he got his ex-girlfriend Rita Ora pregnant while they were together.

The brother of Kim Kardashian launched an angry attack against Rita on his Twitter page this week after it was announced they have split. Yesterday he claimed that Rita cheated on him with numerous other men, and this morning Rob tweeted a message to Rita''s official account in which he made further shocking allegations.

"So you let me get you pregnant and you let others hit raw?" Rob fumed.

The post has since been deleted from Rob's page.

The latest claims from the 25-year-old sock designer come after he said he was "disgusted" with the How We Do singer, and blamed their relationship demise on her promiscuous ways.

"She cheated on me with nearly 20 dudes while we were together... But I mean 20?!!!! (sic)" he tweeted in the early hours of Monday morning.

Minutes later Rob continued to slam the singer. "How can a woman who is so busy trying to start her own career have time to be with so many dudes while in a relationship? I am actually disgusted," he tweeted.

These messages were also later deleted.

While Rita has yet to comment officially on the posts from Rob she does discuss their split in an upcoming interview with British Glamour magazine.

"I''m not going out with Rob. We were close for a while, but it didn''t work because I was never there," Rita opened up to the publication.

"I was like a ghost. I used to get so frustrated with myself and then wonder why I was angry, so I decided it was best to keep it friendly - especially at the moment, when there''s so much going on."

Rita continued to explain how she never loved Rob, blaming their busy schedules on the breakdown of their relationship.

"In 22 years, there''s been nothing. I have had young fascinations but never love. I think it''s my only weakness. I''m scared of letting my guard down, and if I feel in love with someone now, he''d have to try ten times harder to break it down," Rita confessed.

"I only need three things from a guy - for him to make me laugh, tell me I''m beautiful once in a while, and be there for me."

Jack White: Gaga is all image no meaning

Jack White says Lady Gaga is 'all artifice'.
The Former White Stripes frontman has blasted modern celebrity culture, claiming many of the music industry's biggest stars lack substance. Jack has laid into Gaga's famously eccentric persona, insisting she doesn't fully explore her vision.
'I don't think she lives it because it's all artifice,' he told the January edition of Esquire magazine. 'It's all image with no meaning behind it. You can't sink your teeth into it. It's a sound bite. It's very of this age, because that's what people want. They want a Twitter line, a Jpeg, an MP3.'
Jack went on to slam famous faces who live out their lives in Twitter. He believes only funny stars should tweet their movements.
"Twitter is the most perfect example of modern living. I think the only people who should have [Twitter accounts] are comedians. Because it's all about one-liners,' he explained. 'You don't want [late American writer] Gore Vidal telling you, 'I'm doing my dishes right now.''
Jack wishes stars would remain more removed from the public spotlight.
The 37-year-old musician prefers to remain somewhat anonymous and doesn't understand why so many celebrities go to great lengths to appear normal.
"The goal of modern celebrity is to make yourself into the lowest common denominator. 'Hey, I'm a guy just like you. I like a beer, a football game.' Especially in reality television, you'll see people will go so far as to make a fool out of themselves just to prove that,' he added. 'You know, Clint Eastwood is doing one with his family, and it's such a disappointment.'

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band add UK dates

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced 17 additional dates and a return to the UK for the 2013 leg of the 'Wrecking Ball' World Tour.

In addition, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's headlining performance at Rock in Rio (Sept 15, 2013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has already been announced and other tour dates will be announced shortly.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band tickets go on-sale 9am on Friday 7th December and are available here.

To date, the 'Wrecking Ball' World Tour has stopped in 17 countries for over 80 shows including several of the longest performances of Springsteen's career and earned universal acclaim being called "gigantic" (Rolling Stone), "the stuff of legend" (Irish Independent) and "the greatest live act in the world" (Evening Herald).

Bruce Springsteen's 'Wrecking Ball' (Columbia) was released in March 2012 and debuted at #1 in the U.S. and 15 other countries.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND
'WRECKING BALL' TOUR 2013
SATURDAY 15 JUNE WEMBLEY STADIUM
TUESDAY 18 JUNE HAMPDEN PARK, GLASGOW
THURSDAY 20 JUNE RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY

http://brucespringsteen.net/
http://shorefire.com/clients/bspringsteen/

Christina Aguilera 'ignores rude comments'

Christina Aguilera is reportedly not bothered by people spouting "bile" about her figure.
A friend close to the star has explained the singer couldn't be happier with how her life is going at the moment.
The curvaceous judge on US talent show The Voice has reportedly told those closest to her that she's put her battles with her weight behind her once and for all. She is now focusing on her career and raising her four-year-old son Max, who she has with her ex-husband Jordan Bratman.
"Things are great for her at the moment," a friend revealed to British magazine Look. "She and Matt are so in love - he adores the way she looks - her career's going well and she has her son, Max [four]. With so much love in her life, why would she let any bile affect her? And it's not like she's unhealthy - she works out with Max."
Christina has had a fluctuating weight since finding fame as a teen star. She has reportedly been a UK size 6 at her slimmest, and is now currently a UK size 14. However, despite being at her largest she seems to be at her most confident. Christina strutted her stuff on the red carpet at the American Music Awards recently oblivious to the vicious comments that have been flooding the internet about her figure.
"Like any woman, Christina's struggled with her size," the friend continued. "But she's realised she's not naturally skinny and now embraces her curves."

Neil Young & Crazy Horse to play Sandy benefit

Neil Young & Crazy Horse have announced that they will perform a special benefit concert on December 6th, 2012, at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ, with proceeds going to aid victims of Superstorm Sandy.

Devastated by the damage and displacement caused by hurricane, Young urged: "Come on down here and join in the relief effort."

Proceeds will go to the AMERICAN RED CROSS HURRICANE SANDY relief effort. For more info go to: redcross.org/hurricane-sandy

Tickets for the event, billed as "A Special Evening With Neil Young & Crazy Horse," are on sale now at TheBorgata.com or by-phone at 866-900-4TIX (4849) and will be priced at $75 and $150. All seating is general admission. Everest will open the show.

Crazy Horse, which is Young, Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina, and Poncho Sampredo, has been touring North America this in support of its latest album Psychedelic Pill.

Dionne Warwick: My songs are like kids

Dionne Warwick thinks of her songs as "her babies".

The 71-year-old star is famed for recording tracks by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, among them the classic Walk On By. She can't choose which of the songs means the most to her as they are all so special for different reasons.

"No, they're like my babies," she replied, when asked if she has a favourite. "My album, Now, has new versions of many of them and I've never got tired of them. How do you argue with success?"

Whitney Houston was Dionne's cousin and the elder singer was devastated when Whitney passed away aged 48 earlier this year. Although she is still trying to come to terms with her loss, Dionne takes solace from the kind words she has received from Whitney's friends.

"I think the best thing has been the regard that everybody has shown for how I'm going and how the rest of the family's doing. Those are the bright things," she told Q magazine.

Dionne has previously insisted the best way to cope with Whitney's passing was to think about her legendary career.

"There are no promises in this life, no certainties. I was taught at a very early age to accept the transition of loved ones from this world into the next," she said. "And then there was Whitney... I don't mourn her. I prefer to celebrate her life."

Conor Maynard ft Wiley 'Animal'

2012 has seen the emergence of one of the brightest male solo artists the UK has produced in years. With a number one album, three top ten hits and well over half a million singles sold in the UK alone, not to mention his huge international success and 135 million YouTube views, Conor Maynard has more than proved why he won MTV's Best Newcomer for 2012 at the start of the year.

With a recently sold-out UK headline tour ' which saw scenes of hysteria throughout the country including Shepherds Bush Empire where fans camped out overnight causing police and ambulances to be called due to dangerous overcrowding ' and a standout, lazer-drenched medley of his debut single 'Can't Say No' and mega-hit 'Turn Around' at the MOBO Awards, there's no denying Conor Maynard has become one of the most talked-about artists of 2012.

And now, Parlophone is delighted to announce the release on January 21st of his fourth single, a very special and brand new version of 'Animal', the opening track from 'Contrast', Conor's smash-hit debut album. 'Animal' is an up-tempo, quirky slice of cutting-edge pop music, with a dose of urban cool beating through its dark and sexy heart.

And now that urban streak has got even cooler with grime legend Wiley jumping on board and throwing down his magic, creating a whole new version of the track. Darker, harder and even more addictive, 'Animal' featuring Wiley sees Conor entering 2013 as one of the biggest UK success stories of recent years.

Conor has also just been confirmed as one of the key acts performing at this year's Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball at the 02 on December 9th before he heads to the US ahead of the release of his album there on January 8th. In support of that release he'll be performing on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the David Letterman show amongst many others.

www.conor-maynard.com
https://www.facebook.com/ConorMaynard
www.youtube.com/conormaynard
www.twitter.com/conormaynard

27th Vibe for Philo takes place in January

2013 is the year of The Gathering, but the Vibe for Philo has been doing that for over two decades as it brings supporters, like a leather clad clan Gathering from Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Scandinavia, Britain, USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and beyond, to honour one of Dublin's favourite sons.

Dublin's Bailey pub is more immediately associated with James Joyce, Brendan Behan, and Patrick Kavanagh than Rock and Roll. Yet it was here in 1981 that Phil Lynott asked long-time friend Smiley Bolger to 'do a vibe for me sometime.' Bolger, a DJ and Promoter, had just won the Alternative Eurovision Song Contest and Phil loved the idea.
The Vibe is more than just a Tribute Show. It has grown into a whole event only a part of which is the show itself. From Ex-Lizzies , through Def Leopard, Henry Rollins, to Gerry Fish, Sinead O'Connor, Maria Doyle-Kennedy, to Damien Dempsey -the list of past performers is impressive -. the interpretations of Philo's songs often stunning.

As the Vibe falls on a weekend were continuing with the tradition of a Young Rockers Matinee. That's an afternoon show with full production and no bar to showcase some amazing new talent along with headliners from the main event. Some past allumni from these shows are Damien Dempsey, Connor McGouran, and LeeAnne Harte. There are still a couple of slots open so who knows who might come out of it.

To top it all as a recession special were offering free admission to an after party with a ticket from the Main Event.

PRE VIBE :
3rd Jan. 2013 @The Grand Social- 8pm

THE VIBE FOR PHILO - THE MAIN EVENT
4th Jan 2013 @ The Button Factory - 8pm

YOUNG ROCKERS MATINEE:
5th Jan. 2013 @The Button Factory - 2pm

AFTERVIBEPARTY:
5th Jan. 2013 @The Button Factory - 8.30pm

Tickets available www.ticketmaster.ie & www.tickets.ie

Tom Odell announces headline tour

Tom Odell has announced his first ever UK headline tour. Opening at The Rainbow in Birmingham on March 1, Tom will perform a host of venues across the country in a tour that will conclude at London Dingwalls on March 12.

Tom made his TV debut on Later with Jools Holland this week with a triumphant performance of 'Another Love'. Watch here ' http://youtu.be/wRvWoFbjFcs

Tour dates as follows:
March 2013
Friday 1 The Rainbow, Birmingham
http://aeglive.seetickets.com/tour/tom-odell/
Saturday 2 Leeds Cockpit
www.lunatitckets.com
Sunday 3 King Tuts, Glasgow
www.gigsinscotland.com
Tuesday 5 Night & Day, Manchester
http://www.gigsandtours.com/Tour/TOM-ODELL/
Wednesday 6 Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
http://www.alt-tickets.co.uk/alttickets/home_tom_odell.html
Friday 8 Thekla, Bristol
http://www.alt-tickets.co.uk/alttickets/home_tom_odell.html
Sunday 10 Komedia Studio Room, Brighton
http://aeglive.seetickets.com/tour/tom-odell/
Monday 11 Joiners, Southampton
http://aeglive.seetickets.com/tour/tom-odell/
Tuesday 12 Dingwalls, London
http://www.gigsandtours.com/Tour/TOM-ODELL/

Tom released his debut EP 'Songs From Another Love' last month and his debut album will be released in Spring 2013.

Check out our exclusive interview below.

Gallows announce new single 'Cross of Lorraine'

As Gallows faced 2012, the notorious UK punk band had no idea what the year might bring. The band had recently departed company with their frontman Frank Carter and despite an excellent reaction to the short, sharp shock of their 'Death Is Birth' EP at the end of 2011, their first material with new singer Wade MacNeil, none of the band could really have predicted how the new line-up would be received.

Fast forward a year and it's like Wade has been in the band forever. Tearing through the festivals in the summer and laying down an incredible third album in their hometown of Watford, when their self-titled opus finally arrived, any doubters were very quickly silenced. 'It's our statement of intent, our laugh in the face of those who said Gallows were done,' claimed the band and the press could only agree, as the album was critically-acclaimed across the board.

Having Just finished a sold-out UK tour that saw Gallows dominate stages with more passion, anger and conviction than ever before, the band are now proud to announce the release of 'Cross Of Lorraine' as a single this coming December 10th on Venn Records. Already a firm live favourite, it's the track that brings 'Gallows' third album to a rousing final, capturing everything that is important about the band in 2012 in a three minute attack. Snarling and anthemic, it works its way under your skin and refuses to budge. You have been warned.

Music idols offer prizes in charity Christmas auction

Signed gifts from music idols up for grabs in charity Christmas auction

Music fans can pick up personalised gifts from the likes of R&B hero, Geno Washington, Mowtown legend, Dionne Warwick and hip hop duo, Rizzle Kicks at a Christmas ebay auction hosted by official Q Awards charity, WaterAid.

Fans will have the chance to get their hands on men and women's clothing from fashion label Merc with gift tags signed by their favourite artists. Items include Harrington Jackets, Rude Boy Hats, shirts and dresses.

Also up for graps is a 'Les Paul Classics Plus' Gibson guitar signed by Q Idol award winner Brandon Flowers, worth over £1,600.

To enter the auction, go to: www.ebay.co.uk/wateraid between December 6th - 16th. All proceeds raised by the auction will help some of the world's poorest people gain access to safe water and sanitation through WaterAid projects across the world.

Music festival attendance set for continued decline in 2013

A recent report by YouGov SixthSense has found that music festival attendance is set for continued decline in 2013.

The report reveals that just under a fifth (19%) of UK festival-goers surveyed (i.e. those who have attended at least one music festival in the past) plan on going to a music festival in 2013, while 54% say they won't be going at all in 2013.

37% of respondents say music festivals are over-crowded and involve too much queuing. Of those who do not plan to attend a festival in 2013, 35% say they are too expensive, 18% are put off by poor weather and muddy fields, and 22% say they plan to take a holiday instead of attending a music festival.

In a separate live music report YouGov SixthSense explored the habits and preferences of UK gig-goers. The study found that 56% of UK adults who have been to a live music event say the recession has had no impact on the number of live music events they attend, or the amount they spend on live gigs.

However, a significant minority (36%) say the recession has had an impact on the number of live music concerts they attend, or the amount they spend. Of these, 83% go to fewer events, and 38% are spending less money on tickets by choosing to attend cheaper live events.

Among gig-goers, 44% think smaller events are best for atmosphere, while 30% think there is no difference between larger and smaller events in terms of atmosphere.

The Doors to perform live on Facebook

On December 5th, fans of The Doors will have the opportunity to watch Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, & John Densmore like never-seen-before live in concert on Facebook.

Qello, the music entertainment digital streaming service, along with Eagle Rock Entertainment are hosting a Facebook Digital Premiere of The Doors 1968 live concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which is considered to be the band's finest concert on film.

The film of this historic concert has been meticulously restored using the original camera negatives; the audio has been remixed and mastered and three unreleased tracks have been resurrected, marking the first time the concert can be seen in its entirety.

The Doors keyboardist, Ray Manzarek says, 'the quality is stunning, mind-blowing; it's like being there right on that Hollywood Bowl stage with me, Jim, John, and Robby.'

A ticket to the Facebook Digital Premiere comes with a trove of treats for music fans; for $4.99 ticket holders get:

o Access to watch LIVE AT THE BOWL '68 for 30-days.
o Access to participate in the *LIVE Q&A with Ray Manzarek on Dec.5th (immediately following the premiere) hosted by legendary Rolling Stone editor, Ben Fong-Torres, who was the last known reporter to interview Jim Morrison before his death.
o Access to The Doors Box Set, including When You're Strange, The Doors Live in Europe '68, and The Doors Classic Album.
o Free 30-day All-Access Pass to Qello's entire library of HD Concerts and Music Documentaries available on up to five devices.

All of the above is FREE for Qello All-Access subscribers.

Tickets are available on the Facebook Digital Premiere page at: http://apps.facebook.com/thedoorslive/

*The Live Q&A with Ray Manzarek is available to anyone who purchases a ticket to the Digital Premiere or anyone who is a Qello All-Access subscriber. Questions can be posted to the Facebook Digital Premiere page as early as November 28.

Hosting the event is legendary Rolling Stones reporter Ben Fong-Torres, who conducted the last interview with Jim Morrison before he died. Underscoring his history as a renowned rock and roll editor, Ben Fong-Torres' character was featured in the movie Almost Famous.

Senses Fail announce UK tour

SENSES FAIL will return to the UK for a series of live dates in May / June 2013. Support on the dates will come from Handguns + special guests to be announced.

The band are currently recording their fifth full-length in Los Angeles, California. The New Jersey-based band are working with producer Shaun Lopez (Far, Deftones) at The Airport Studio and Red Bull Studio. The recording is expected to wrap up in mid-December with a Spring 2013 release planned.

'Over the last 10+ years our influences have grown, and the creative well from which we draw has been dug deeper,' says vocalist Buddy Nielsen. 'This record stands to show where we are in our personal and creative lives. We've always counted on this band to be our rock and positive tool of expression through our highs and lows. Never has that been more clear than with this batch of songs.

We're excited to be working with Shaun Lopez. We've been a fan of his work as both a musician and producer for a long time and we look forward to his input and direction.'

Along with Nielsen and Smith, guitarist Zack Roach and drummer Dan Trapp began writing in February. The group spent their summer performing on the Vans Warped Tour ' their fifth time on the massive tour.

In June, Senses Fail celebrated their ten-year anniversary with the release of a double-CD retrospective entitled 'Follow Your Bliss: The Best of Senses Fail'. The package included a bonus disc including four brand new tracks that hint at the direction the band will be taking on this new album.

Senses Fail formed in 2001 and released their debut EP, 'From the Depths of Dreams', in 2002. Next came 2004's 'Let It Enfold You'-their first full-length-followed by 'Still Searching', which debuted at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Then the band's next release, 'Life Is Not A Waiting Room' was released in 2008, followed by their most recent release, 'The Fire', in 2010. To date, Senses Fail have performed several worldwide tours and their catalog sales have reached over 1.2 million.

UK Dates '

18th May Kingston / Peel
19th May Southampton / Talking Heads
20th May Bristol / Thekla
21st May Cardiff / Clwb Ifor Bach
22nd May Nottingham / Rescue Rooms
23rd May Glasgow / King Tuts
24th May Newcastle / Academy 2
28th May Manchester / NQ Live
29th May Norwich / Waterfront Studio
30th May London / Underworld
31st May Exeter / Cavern
1st June Oxford / O2 Academy 2

www.sensesfail.com | www.facebook.com/sensesfail | www.twitter.com/sensesfail
www.staplerecords.com | www.workhorsemusic.com

JLS member Aston talks embassasing bedroom moments

Now he's coupled up Aston lifts the lid on his single life and the boys confess to those embarrassing moments every man suffers in the bedroom

Cosmo: How have you evolved as men?

Marvin: 'When we first finished the The X Factor we were like headless chickens we were so excited and hyped by this attention. The hysteria, fame money all of it just instantly comes to you so obviously as a young single guy you're gonna do what young guys do! You get it out your system. Aston's only just got it out his system - he's just got his first girlfriend in four years!'

Cosmo: What song off the album is good for chilling in bed with a girl?

Oritsé: Gotta Try and Dessert are definitely the sex records. Dessert is the kind of record when you've just met a girl and you're going to do the business one night ' it's not the love track it's just the 'getting down' track. It's the lyrics and the mood. It doesn't lead anyone on. It is what it is.'

Cosmo: You're all so smooth, have you ever had any awkward moments in the bedroom?

Aston: 'One that every guy knows is when you've had too much to drink and you're like 'Oh sh*t it's either not going to work or it's going to work too well and you won't be able to stop!' That happens to every guy. If a guy says it doesn't happen to him he's chatting sh*t.'

Oritsé: 'One of the awkward things a girl has said to me. Was that I was 'like a vibrator.' That was weird. Why would you say that?'

Do you use your own condom range Just Love Safe?

Aston: 'Actually I've got quite a dry sense of humour so when I was single I would say to girls [dead serious] 'Erm, you didn't bring any JLS condoms with you?' It was funny to wind them up. People get embarrassed about condoms but it's a normal thing. It's fine to have condoms on you.'

HIM XX - Two Decades of Love Metal

HIM

XX - Two Decades of Love Metal

Reviewing ‘best of’ albums is often difficult, as there is little, if anything, that a fan of the act will not have heard before. However, for someone not very familiar with the band, it can serve as a fantastic introduction.

HIM, or His Infernal Majesty, are one of those bands that many people have heard of, and perhaps even more have an opinion of. They are a very polarising band - many metal fans, generally female between the age of 14 and 21, think that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread and can do no wrong. Others, myself included, feel that they are over-hyped, and have been branded well, but that their act is merely one of style over substance. They are the sole members of the ‘Love Metal’ genre (‘Love Metal’ also happens to be the name of their 4th studio album). The band’s ‘Heartagram’ logo is still one of the most popular tattoos among young metalheads.

My sole experience of HIM isn’t from records – I saw them as main support to Metallica at Wembley Stadium, where following Mastodon and Machine Head, they sunk like a lead balloon, not helped by the fact that Ville Valo didn’t seem to want to be there anyway. So putting on the album, I was wary to say the least. And I think I was proved correct in being cautious.

First impressions of the collection as a whole – boredom. There was nothing to get excited over. So I gave the album another listen, and I found myself wishing I had the two and a half hours that I had spent listening to the album back (yes, the album comes in at over 75 minutes). Taking each element on its own – the drumming is alright, guitars acceptable, keyboards are there, bass was average. Perhaps the weakest part of the whole collection is Ville Valo’s voice – he drones, there doesn’t appear to be any passion in his performance on ANY of the tracks. And as the band’s main songwriter, he needs to understand that adding some overt melody to songs is key to helping anything stand out!

This album has received critical acclaim from various sources – much like I don’t understand the band’s appeal, even to teenage girls, I don’t understand critics appreciating this collection. There’s a lack of actual songs, there’s nothing to keep the interest over the course of the length of the album. Of course, I’ll get slated for saying these things – it is apparently sacrilegious to slate the Finnish band. But, considering one of the people who had the misfortune of listening to the album with me commented that “they sound like bad Spanish waiters in a bad Spanish restaurant, shut up and let me eat my food already”, I don’t think I’m alone in this thinking.