Is the art of the music video dead? Following last week’s discussion about the MTV EMA’s, Annie and Nick share some of your comments about the relevancy of music videos. Elsewhere, Beyoncé has announced that she will play an NFL half time show on Christmas Day, but which artist would you abandon Christmas dinner for? Plus, Bjork is recreating the sounds of extinct animals, Ed Sheeran wishes he wasn’t on the new Band Aid song and Charli XCX might have the most supportive parents in the business.
Grammy nominations and the EMAs have welcomed us back into awards season, but are they still relevant and should we even care? BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage gives his analysis. Elsewhere, Pharrell Williams is challenging our mind’s eye with his new Lego film, Busta Rhymes reveals that Benny Hill is the rapper’s comedian and Nick explains why he’s not friends with Frank Ocean. Plus, Annie and Nick find out about Band Aid 40 and debate whether they could tell the difference between a real and AI song.
Does UK Rap need fixing? With 20 years of skin in the game, Ghetts joins Annie to discuss the current state of the UK Rap scene, the importance of championing artist authenticity and who he looks to for inspiration. Elsewhere, what is it about certain songs that keeps us coming back? Annie shares the science behind what makes music so addictive. Plus, Tyler, The Creator proves why risks are worth taking, Ghetts reveals the bars that inspired him to start rapping and the legacy of Quincy Jones.
Annie and Nick dress up as two musical icons for a spooky special - but what makes up the perfect Halloween song? Elsewhere, Laura Marling has released her new album to critical acclaim, and it acts as a perfect example of why an artist’s agency and authenticity are so important in the age of streaming. Plus, Kate Bush has us all gagged with the announcement that she’s ready to start making new music, Beyoncé and Eminem have been out on the US election campaign trail with Kamala Harris and Tyler, The Creator is proving why he could be a future Glastonbury headliner.
Olly Alexander joins Nick to discuss meeting Rihanna, the highs and lows of Eurovision and why he wants to ‘do a Kate Bush’. They also pay tribute to Liam Payne and reflect on the legacy he has left behind. Elsewhere, Tyler, The Creator is bucking the trend by releasing new music on Mondays - should other artist’s lean into this or does New Music Friday serve a purpose? Plus, Charli XCX’s Brat has finally gone to Number 1 (sorry James Blunt), Olly and Nick get their head around the hidden lyrics in Rihanna’s ‘SOS’ and the excitement for new Lady Gaga is palpable.
How much influence do music reviews have in 2024? Annie and Nick chat to The Guardian’s Laura Snapes about the role of the music critic, what it’s like to give a scathing review and why professional critique should always be valued. Elsewhere, Glastonbury tickets go on sale next month at their highest ever price - but what should festival-goers be getting for their money? Plus, new albums from Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean may be on their way, viral hit The Spark has been longlisted for two Grammy awards and Lauryn Hill serves Annie a night of beautiful chaos.
Is breaking America worth the cost? Annie and Nick discuss why artists are struggling to take their tours across the pond and the impact this could have on British music. Elsewhere, the world is clearly still not over Brat, as Charli XCX reveals the tracklist for her remix album – but what does it tell us about the rise in pop collaborations? Plus, misinterpreted lyrics, Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey and why Nick isn't going to become the newest member of Bucks Fizz.
Kylie Minogue joins Annie and Nick to discuss THAT performance with Madonna, what it was like making the follow up to Padam Padam and letting loose in Ibiza’s DC10. Elsewhere, Chappell Roan has cancelled shows to prioritise her health - are fans expecting too much from their favourite pop stars? Plus, everyone’s in goth panic as The Cure release their first new music in 16 years, Kylie reveals the CDs she just can’t let go of and is TikTok changing the way songs are written? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
SOPHIE’s posthumous album is finally being released, but how might it impact her legacy and should it have been made at all? Elsewhere, when one star rises another falls – Annie and Nick discuss Chappell Roan’s career-defining London shows and why Katy Perry’s latest album doesn’t work in a post-brat world. Plus, Bon Iver’s new song has marked the seasonal shift but what’s the perfect recipe for autumnal music? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Taylor Swift has officially endorsed Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, but how much influence can celebrity endorsements have on election results? Elsewhere, Jayda G is breaking the stigma around DJing whilst pregnant – Annie shares her own experience behind the decks. Plus, Nick explains why he’s got the worst hangover of his life and how FKA twig’s EUSEXUA show was the cure. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Mercury shortlisted artist CMAT joins Annie and Nick to discuss Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ receiving no nominations at the Country Music Awards. Elsewhere, a Mercury winner has never come from Ireland - why is it so hard for musicians to make it outside of London? Plus, Annie finally shares what happened when she met Madonna; nailing the dress code at FKA Twigs’ party and Elton John inspires the question, what would you like on your tombstone? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Dynamic Pricing - Annie and Nick unpack what the hell it is, how long it’s been going on for and what it all means for the future of gig tickets. Elsewhere, it’s not just the Gallagher brothers benefitting from their reunion tour – Brian (aka Liam) from tribute band Definitely Oasis shares his Masterplan. Plus, what do Beyonce, Foo Fighters and Isaac Hayes all have in common? Annie and Nick discover why the use of music in American election campaigns is so controversial.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) joins Nick to discuss the return of Oasis, drinking Noel Gallagher’s beer and whether they’ll headline Glastonbury next year. Elsewhere, as Chappell Roan calls out inappropriate fan behaviour Rebecca shares her own experiences as an artist. Plus, from ‘Date My Dog’ to ‘Pimp My Bungalow’ - Nick and Rebecca dig around in their notes app for some recent entries and Sexyy Red has got creative with the shades of her new lip gloss collection.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Who are the future Glastonbury headliners? Have you ever cried at a gig? What’s the perfect BBQ playlist? With the end of summer in sight, Annie and Nick answer your questions in a Bank Holiday Q&A special. From portaloos to blueberry vodka they share their wildest memories from Notting Hill Carnival. Plus, a deep dive into whether there’s a shortage of festival headliners. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
What’s the future of boy bands? Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ended up with a pop star? Is Chappell Roan the real deal? Annie and Nick answer your questions in a Q&A special. From accidentally becoming Grace Jones’ waiter to George Michael playing dance tunes in his dressing gown there’s a lot to cover. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Can Charli XCX put a foot wrong? JADE joins Nick as co-host to discuss the ‘Guess Remix’, how it feels to be at the centre of the hype machine and what it’s really like to attend a Charli party. Elsewhere, Adele has arrived in Munich for her month-long residency – are pop-up arenas “a bit random, but still fabulous” or the future of touring? Plus, onstage mishaps, flirting with Prince Harry and which popstars play their own songs at parties.
From radio shows to raves, Annie and Nick talk all things Ibiza as they reflect on why the island is still at the centre of dance music, share their favourite memories and answer your questions. From the origins of dance music to Pete Tong being handcuffed to a Smurf, Annie and Nick have everything you need to know about the White Isle. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Annie and Nick react to this year’s Mercury Prize shortlist, share what it’s like to be on the judging panel and place their bets on which album will be crowned the winner. Elsewhere, Nick has a new favourite song – where does JADE’s ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ rank amongst solo debuts? Plus, Charli XCX has officially become part of the US Presidential Election, partying in portaloos and should phones be banned at gigs? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.ukMercury Prize Shortlist: Barry Can't Swim - ‘When Will We Land?’ BERWYN - ‘Who Am I’ Beth Gibbons - ‘Lives Outgrown’ Cat Burns - ‘early twenties’ Charli xcx - ‘BRAT’ CMAT - ‘Crazymad, for Me’ Corinne Bailey Rae - ‘Black Rainbows’ corto.alto - ‘Bad with Names’ English Teacher - ‘This Could Be Texas’ Ghetts - ‘On Purpose, With Purpose’ Nia Archives - ‘Silence Is Loud’ The Last Dinner Party - ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’
Annie and Nick will return a little later than usual to chat through this year’s Mercury Prize Albums of the Year, as well as sharing what happens behind the scenes on the judging panel.
Sam Smith joins Annie and Nick to go through the week in music... from songs that could have been Rihanna’s to outrageous fashion purchases. Elsewhere, a decade later Sam reflects on their debut album ‘In The Lonely Hour’, singing in pubs aged 10 and the moment they decided to become a pop star. Plus, behind-the-scenes of the Met Gala, overcoming trolls and what song would you download first onto an empty phone? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk